TMJ remodeling after condylar fracture and functional jaw orthopedics a case report.
BACKGROUND
Condylar fractures in childhood are generally treated in a conservative-functional manner. As a rule, very good healing results are achieved by functional orthodontic treatment alone or, after immobilization, by splinting.
Here we report on a patient who suffered a deep condylar dislocation fracture as a result of trauma at the age of 5. After initial immobilization with Schuchardt splints she underwent functional jaw orthopedics with activators. Subsequent orthodontic treatment with removable and fixed appliances enabled her to be followed up form functional and radiographic aspects over a period of 13 years. The remodeling process of the condylar head and neck could be clearly seen in the panoramic control radiographs.


RESULTS
Although the traumatized right TMJ was completely pain-free and fully functional after only a short time, the remodeling of the head and neck of the originally traumatized TMJ took 13 years to correspond fully to the healthy TMJ on the opposing side.
Girthofer
Kristina
K
Kristina Girthofer, Gernot Göz, Germany. k.girthofer@gmx.de
Göz
Gernot
G
D000202:Activator Appliances; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology*; D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D017289:Orthodontic Appliances, Functional; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D013165:Splints; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*