Magnetic resonance imaging in the postsurgical evaluation of patients with mandibular condyle fractures treated using the transparotid approach: our experience.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the morphostructural and functional modifications of the temporomandibular joint and the onset of parotid complications in patients with extracapsular monocondylar fractures treated by reduction with the application of a titanium microplate via a transparotid approach.


METHODS
The study was comprised of 20 patients (16 male patients and 4 female patients) with a mean age of 25 years (range, 15-44 years) who had undergone reduction of condyle fractures. Twelve months after surgery, all patients were examined by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint and parotid gland on the treated side. MRI examination was performed by use of coronal T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequences, as well as parasagittal T1-weighted turbo spin echo and T2-weighted fast field echo sequences. Images were acquired from the resting position to the position of maximum oral opening.


RESULTS
The 1-year clinical outcome in our patients was good. MRI showed, on the treated side, 5 cases of anterior dislocation of the disc (25%), 1 case of disc degeneration (5%), and 1 case of parotid fistula (5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Both trauma and surgical intervention can damage the meniscal capsuloligamentous complex. MRI allowed the complications due to the trauma and/or treatment to be identified and made it possible to compare the condyles and joint function.
Saponaro
Antonio
A
Department of Radiology, Maggiore della Caritã Hospital, Novara, Italy. antoniosaponaro2@virgilio.it
Stecco
Alessandro
A
Brucoli
Matteo
M
Armienti
Felice
F
Stellin
Livia
L
Favano
Francesca
F
Benech
Arnaldo
A
Carriero
Alessandro
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult