Fractures of the mandibular condyle are relatively common. They are observed in some 60% of mandibular fractures either in isolation or in combination with other mandibular fractures. A fracture to the mandibular condyle should be surgically treated if the joint capsule is so severely torn that there is the risk of a bony fusion emerging between the temporal bone and the condylar head (see mandibular ankylosis).

Another indication for surgery is if the mandible is so severely reduced in height on the side of the fracture that occlusion, or the contact between the teeth of the upper and lower jaw, is disturbed.