The value of coronal computer tomograms in fractures of the mandibular condylar process.
OBJECTIVE
A prospective investigation designed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of conventional panoramic and posteroanterior mandibular radiographs with that of coronal computed tomography scans in cases of fracture of the mandibular condylar process was conducted.


METHODS
In all, 182 patients with a total of 249 fractures (some unilateral and some bilateral) of the mandibular condyle received conventional radiographs and coronal computed tomography scans as diagnostic procedures. The ability of these procedures to detect and correctly classify these fractures was determined, and their importance for therapeutic decision-making is described.


RESULTS
All clinically identified fractures were detected by means of both conventional and computed tomography imaging. However, only computed tomography scanning could correctly classify high condylar neck fractures.


CONCLUSIONS
Especially in cases of high condylar neck fracture, coronal computed tomography scans were more useful than conventional radiographs in the determination of type of condylar fracture so that a correct treatment decision could be made.
Schimming
R
R
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Dresden, Germany.
Eckelt
U
U
Kittner
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed