Treatment Outcome Of Mandibular Condylar Fracture With Arthrocentesis And Lavage

Yoon, Ok Byung

Abstract

In the treatment of mandibular condylar fractures, arthrocentesis, lavage and selective intermaxillary fixation were performed after closed reduction. In this lavage group, the physiotherapy performed for 3-6 months after injury. in control group, continuous intermaxillary fixation was done for 1-3 weeks, and physiotherapy followed in the same method of the lavage group. In the comparative study of the both groups, the following results are shown. 1. Compared to control group, the lavage group had a slightly superior result at range of motion, joint pain and occlusal deviation, from I day after arthrocentesis to 6 months after injury. 2. The significant differences between both groups were seen at range of motion and joint pain in 1 month after injury. 3. At 6 months after injury, the differences between both groups were not significant at range of motion, joint pain and occlusal deviation. From this study, in the mandibular condylar fracture, the arthrosentesis, lavage and selective intermaxillary fixation after closed reduction can improve symptoms such as joint pain and occlusal deviation, also increase range of motion. in this therapeutic way, intracapsular hemarthrosis which can cause TMJ ankylosis or dysfunction can be removed effectively. in addition, patient's discomfort such as swallowing disturbance, speech disturbance and emotional stress can be reduced signuficantly.