Long-term masticatory performance and ability following closed treatment for unilateral mandibular condylar neck or base fractures: a cross-sectional study

• Published in: Oral and maxillofacial surgery 2023-03, Vol.27 (1), p.141-149
• Main Authors: Weinberg, Florine M., Rosenberg, Antoine J. W. P., Muller, Barbara S., Speksnijder, Caroline M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ability tests; Age; Cross-Sectional Studies; Ethics; Fracture Fixation; Humans; Mandible; Mandibular Condyle - diagnostic imaging; Mandibular Condyle - surgery; Mandibular Fractures - diagnostic imaging; Mandibular Fractures - surgery; Maxillofacial surgery; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Mental disorders; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Original; Original Article; Outpatient care facilities; Patients; Questionnaires; Range of motion; Trauma; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1865-1569; 1865-1550; 1865-1569
• DOI: 10.1007/s10006-021-01027-w

Purpose The aim of this study was to find explanatory variables for objective and patient-reported long-term masticatory functioning in patients treated with maxillomandibular fixation for unilateral condylar neck or base fractures. These outcomes were compared to healthy control subjects. Methods Patients treated between 1996 and 2013 were enrolled in the study. Objective measurements included the mixing ability test (MAT) for masticatory performance, and range of motion of the mandible. Patient-reported measurements included the mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ) for masticatory ability, and the visual analogue scale for pain. Healthy subjects were recruited between October 2018 and January 2019, and performed the MAT and MFIQ. Results Twenty-one patients and 30 healthy subjects were included. The average follow-up period was 11.67 years. In adjusted regression analysis, the amount of occlusal units (OU) was associated with the MAT ( P  = 0.020; R 2  = 0.253) and MFIQ ( P  = 0.001, R 2  = 0.454). The MAT outcome was similar in both groups when correcting for OU ( P  = 0.001; R 2  = 0.201). The MFIQ was inferior in the patient group ( P  = 0.001). Conclusion Long-term masticatory performance was similar in patients with a history of condylar neck or base fracture and healthy subjects; however, masticatory ability was inferior in patients compared to healthy subjects.