Non-surgical treatment of condylar fractures in adults: a retrospective analysis

• Published in: Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery 2003-06, Vol.31 (3), p.162-167
• Main Authors: Smets, Luc M.H, Van Damme, Philip A, Stoelinga, Paul J.W
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Condylar; Dentistry; Facial Asymmetry - etiology; Female; Fracture Fixation - methods; Fractures; Humans; Jaw Fixation Techniques; Male; Malocclusion; Malocclusion - etiology; Mandibular Condyle - injuries; Mandibular Fractures - complications; Mandibular Fractures - therapy; Non-surgical; Range of Motion, Articular; Retrospective; Retrospective Studies; Temporomandibular Joint - injuries; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders - etiology; TMJ-dysfunction; Treatment; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1010-5182; 1878-4119
• DOI: 10.1016/S1010-5182(03)00025-8

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the results of non-surgical treatment of condylar fractures in a group of 60 patients with 71 condylar fractures, in order to establish a protocol to select patients for surgical treatment of condylar fractures. Material: Out of a group of 91 patients treated in a non-surgical fashion, 60 patients with a total of 71 condylar fractures responded to the request for follow-up. Methods: Retrospective study, including clinical analysis of occlusion, asymmetry at rest and during mouth opening, maximum interincisal distance, signs of TMJ-dysfunction and analysis of radiographic data, i.e. shortening of the ascending ramus as measured on sequential orthopantomograms. Results: There were five patients (8%) with an unacceptable malocclusion of which one also had considerably limited mouth opening. Fifty-five patients (92%) had none or only minor signs of TMJ-dysfunction not requiring further treatment. Conclusion: Only in selected patients with shortening of the ascending ramus of 8 mm or more and/or considerable displacement of the condylar fragment, surgical repositioning and rigid internal fixation should be considered.