title: Computed tomographic findings of the fractured mandibular condyle after open reduction.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term radiological results obtained with open reduction and fixation of unilateral mandibular condyle fractures in 10 patients. CT images taken at the end of the follow-up period (average of 22 months, range 7 to 33 months), were traced and digitized, and the position and morphology of the fractured condylar process was statistically compared with those of the contralateral non-fractured condylar process in the coronal, transverse and sagittal planes. Little difference was observed in the position or morphology of the condylar process in the operated and non-fractured joints. This study shows that it is possible to anatomically reduce fractured condyles, and thereby to avoid postoperative disadvantageous joint changes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University (Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Sciences), Wonju, Kangwon-Do, South Korea. choibh@wonju.yonsei.ac.kr
authors.forename: B H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: J Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Huh
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Yoo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome