Volume 16, Number 3, September 2004
| | Factors Affecting Mandibular Function after Conservative Treatment of Condylar Fractures |
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Kazuhiko Yamamoto, Kazuhiro Murakami, Tsutomu Sugiura, Masaki Fujimoto, Kazuhiko Ohgi, Tadaaki Kirita
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the factors affecting mandibular function after conservative treatment of condylar fractures.
Patients and Methods: Mandibular functions such as maximal mouth opening, jaw deviation on mouth opening, anterior and lateral excursions, occlusion, and temporomandibular joint symptoms were examined in 49 patients 6 months after conservative treatment of condylar fractures.
Results: Good mandibular function was noted in 38 patients (77.6%), but in the other 11 patients (22.4%), at least 1 dysfunction such as mouth opening less than 35 mm, jaw deviation of more than 5 mm on mouth opening, anterior or lateral excursion less than 5 mm, and disturbance in occlusion or temporomandibular joint symptoms was found. Mandibular dysfunction was frequently observed in patients older than 40 years and those with bilateral fractures (p < 0.05). Gender, the presence of associated mandibular fractures, or the treatment method did not affect the outcome. In 41 unilateral patients, subcondylar fractures, dislocated fractures, and those with a reduction in ramus height of more than 8 mm were considered important although not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Patient age and bilateral fractures are critical factors affecting outcome, although good mandibular function can be obtained in most patients.
Key words: Mandibular fracture, Treatment Asian J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2004;16:160-165.
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