title: Characteristics of temporomandibular joint structures after mandibular condyle fractures revealed by magnetic resonance imaging.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aimed to evaluate the structural changes of temporomandibular joint immediately after condylar fractures with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated 34 subjects of condylar fractures with MRI. The position, shape, and signal intensity of the condyle, disc, and retrodiscal tissue were analyzed with MR images.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Immediately after trauma, the disc was displaced with the fractured segment in almost all cases. And, the changes of signal intensity at the retrodiscal tissue were found but less related to the degree of fracture displacement. And, the high signals were observed almost at all fractured joint spaces and even at some contralateral joints.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The displaced disc as well as the increased signal intensity of the joint space, condylar head, and retrodiscal tissue demands more attention to prevent the possible sequela of joint.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Daejeon Dental Hospital, Wonkwang University College of Dentistry, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Bong Chul
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Daejeon Dental Hospital, Wonkwang University College of Dentistry, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Yoon Chang
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Daejeon Dental Hospital, Wonkwang University College of Dentistry, Daejeon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hyung Seok
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Cha
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Science Research Center, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu Seoul, 120-752 South Korea.
authors.forename: Sang-Hwy
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Magnetic resonance imaging; Mandibular condyle; Mandibular fractures; Temporomandibular joint