Barnes, R.Brandt, C.Van der Merwe, Anke2016-01-062016-01-062013-01-222014-09-162014-09-16http://hdl.handle.net/11660/2009English: Introduction: The need for physiotherapy intervention in the treatment of mandibular condyle fractures has been highlighted. No unifying criteria are currently available regarding a postsurgical functional exercise program for patients who sustained mandibular condyle fractures. Aim: The research study conducted aimed to perform a needs analysis amongst maxillo-facial surgeons and physiotherapists in South Africa, regarding the perceived need for a postoperative physiotherapy intervention program for patients who sustained mandibular condyle fractures. The study also aimed to develop a post-operative functional exercise program for patients who sustained mandibular condyle fractures. Methodology: The first part of the research comprised of a needs analysis questionnaire, sent out to qualified experts: one physiotherapist and one maxillo-facial surgeon from each of the training institutions in South Africa. The data obtained from the needs analysis questionnaire was used to compile an online questionnaire with statements regarding the type and dosage of a suitable physiotherapeutic treatment protocol. The Delphi method was used, and this questionnaire was sent out to a further 20 experts (national and international) in the fields of physiotherapy, maxillo-facial surgery and dental surgery. A convenience sampling method was used to select appropriately trained participants for the needs analysis and Delphi questionnaire. Results: A definite need for physiotherapy intervention for mandibular condyle fracture patients was proposed by the needs analysis participants (100%). A total of 85.7 % (needs analysis) and 100 % (Delphi questionnaire) of respondents indicated that all mandibular condyle fracture patients should receive in-hospital physiotherapy intervention. By utilising the Delphi method, a suitable physiotherapy intervention program for mandibular condyle fracture patients was developed. Inter-reviewer consensus was reached regarding what each exercise entails, as well as what in-hospital physiotherapy visits should be comprised of. Stability was reached regarding the commencement and dosage of the various jaw exercises. Conclusion: Experts in the field proposed that physiotherapists should provide post-operative rehabilitative therapy to patients who have sustained mandibular condyle fractures. The proposed post-surgical intervention program provided in this study can serve as a baseline for implementation in further research studies. The advantages of referring mandibular condyle fracture patients to physiotherapy were also presented.enPhysiotheraphyPhysical therapyTherapeutic exercisesTrismus treatmentTemporomandibular jointMandibular condyle fracturesPhysiotherapy for mandibular condyle fracturesExerciseRehabilitation for mandibular condyle fracturesClosed reduction for mandibular condyle fracturesOpen reduction and internal fixation for mandibular condyle fracturesNeeds analysisDelphi questionnaireDissertation (M.Sc. (Physiotherapy))--University of the Free State, 2013DissertationUniversity of the Free State