Clinical Evaluation of Mandibular Condyle Fractures

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study considered the effects and proper treatments of mandibular condyle fractures by comparing clinical differences and complications according to analysis and treatment plan.METHODS: From September 2007 to August 2010, patients who were diagnosed with condylar fracture and monitored for more than 3 months were selected. Cases were divided in a reductive manner and evaluated by type and period of intermaxillary fixation (IMF), status of occlusion and trismus according to the Spiessle/Schroll method. A total 50 patients were examined.RESULTS: The number of the unilateral condyle fractures was 45 and 30 patients had multiple fractures. Type of fracture was categorized by the Spiessle/Schroll method. There were 21 patients with type I, 11 patients with type II, 3 patients with type 3, 10 patients with type V and 5 patients with type VI; there were no patients with a type IV fracture. 11 patients were operated on with open reduction. Among them, 9 patients were type II and 2 patients were type I. For type I patients, an intra-oral approach was conducted with an endoscope and trocar. For 3 of the type II patients, an retromandibular approach was conducted and for the rest of the type II patients, the same approach as type I was used. The periods of IMF were 2.36 weeks (mean) in open reduction group and 2.9 weeks (mean) in closed reduction group and the total mean period is 2.78 weeks. All patients had stable occlusion after removing the IMF. Trismus occurred in 1 patient for open reduction and 5 patients for closed reduction. Facial nerve palsy was observed in one patient postoperatively that resolved after 6 months.CONCLUSION: In this study, similar prognosis was shown after an open and closed reduction was conducted. Therefore, treatments need to be planned depending on the degree of condyle fracture and the amount of displacement. Additionally, the period of IMF could be shortened with open reduction.