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.