Fractures of the mandibular condyle. Part 2: Results of treatment of 348 patients

This study was designed to record the results of conservative treatment of condylar fractures and to find out if there were any variables that were pr edictive of complications, Data were analysed in our computer department. D uring the period 1984-1996, all patients who presented with a fracture of t he mandibular condyle and who attended for control examination one year aft er treatment were recorded at the end of treatment and one year later. The ability to open the mouth, deviation and occlusion were recorded. After one year 45 of the 348 patients (13%) had minor physical complaints such as re duced ability to open the mouth, deviation, or dysfunction. Ten of them (3% ) had pain in the joint or muscles or both. Eight patients (2%) had maloccl usion, which in seven could be related to dislocation of the condylar head out of the fossa. Five of the eight patients had had bilateral fractures. W e conclude that conservative treatment of condylar fractures is non-traumat ic, safe, and reliable and in only a few cases may cause disturbances of fu nction and malocclusion, The risk associated with the latter is greatest wi th bilateral fractures and dislocation of the condylar head from the fossa, (C) 2000 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.