Long-term evaluation of mandibular condyle fractures

Min, Seung Ki; Park, Sang Kyu; Oh, Seung Hwan; Kwon, Kyung Hwan; Choi, Mun Ki; Chae, Young Won

Abstract

The management of mandibular condyle fractures continues to be a subject of much debate. It is suggested that, if not properly managed, these fractures may give rise to serious problems, such as malocclusion, mouth opening limitation, temporomandibular joint disorders. Treatment planing of mandibular condyle fractures is very important. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the long-term results according to treatment methods in condylar fractures. Also, it was to evaluate results of treatment according to condylar fracture level. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 43 mandibular condyle fractures. 43 patients followed for average period of 9.00 years(mini. 7yr, max. 12yr). All patients underwent a clinical and radiologic evaluation focusing on mouth opening, mandibular movements, TMJ function, change of ramal height, condylar remodelling. If the level of fracture was positioned in high, especially in level II, mandibular movement disability and ramus length loss was more prominent. This results were similar to the cases of treatment of fragment removal. In high level fracture and fragment removal cases, It is thought that more intensive and long term management are needed than other treatment cases using different operation methods. Also, direct fixation by each approach showed good results in mandibular movement, ramal height change and condylar shape. Through this results, accurate reduction of the mandibular condyle fractures was a very important factor in postoperative prognosis.