[The diagnosis of condylar process fractures]

The detection of condylar process fractures by clinical examination and the interpretation of radiographs belong to the stomatologist's diagnostic tasks. On the contrary, the exact location of the fracture lines and the recognition of the types of proximal fragment displacement often present problems. Diagnostic errors may also occur, mainly resulting from radiological illusions. The comprehensive evaluation of the data from 3027 patients with injuries of the facial bones, involving 1050 condylar process fractures, and the verification of the relevant radiological findings permitted to determine the location of the fracture lines and the types of fragment displacement, to recognize misinterpretations and to give suggestions for establishing a definite diagnosis.