title: Indications and outcome of mandibular condylar and ramus surgeries.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Different surgical procedures are utilized for treatment of various diseases of the posterior mandible depending on the type of disease, site, duration and age of the patient. A thorough knowledge of the anatomical relations of structures and adequate surgical skills are needed to minimize complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the indications and outcome of surgical techniques for diseases affecting the condyle and ramus of the mandibles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were retrieved from the case files of patients who had surgeries for diseases involving the ramus/condylar area of the mandible. The diagnosis/indications for surgery, procedure and postoperative outcomes were documented. Outcomes assessed were related to mouth opening, esthetics (appearance of scar and jaw symmetry) and function (occlusion, Jaw movements). Complications such as nerve dysfunction were documented. Paresthesia was tested by simple tactile stimulations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were a total of 27 procedures done either on the condyle or ramus in 23 (100%) patients between May 2006 and October, 2013. 16 procedures were done for tumors in 16 (69.6%) patients, 14 (60.9%) patients had Ameloblastoma, 1 (4.3%) had central neurofibroma and one had keratocystic odontogenic tumor, two procedures for unilateral condylar fractures in 2 (8.6%) patients, five procedures for ankylosis in 3 (13.0%) patients and four procedures were done for dislocation in 2 (8.6%) patients. There was no permanent nerve dysfunction; mouth opening, jaw movements and mastication were remarkably satisfactory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Esthetic and functional outcome were quite satisfactory when compared with the preoperative status.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Babatunde O
authors.initials: BO
authors.lastname: Akinbami
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Oladimeji A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Akadiri
keywords: Condyle; indications; outcome; ramus; surgeries