[Sagittal fracture of the mandibular condyle (SFMC): its clinical image diagnosis]

Each of 12 SFMC patients (13 TMJs) underwent 8 X-ray examinations. It was found that SFMCs were easily missed from the conventional X-ray views, while CPMOT (Condyle pterygoid-maxillo oblique tomography) and CT were effective to demonstrate them. The reasons for SFMCs' being missed from the conventional views are discussed. It is concluded that the best procedure to show a possible SFMC is: the reversed Town's view-->TMJ coronal tomography or CPMOT-->CT (using coronal or CPMOT sections as the first choice). The authors declare that SFMC could not be explained by the acknowledged theory that the neck of condyle is a safety mechanism to protect the brain.