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Changes in mandibular movement and occlusal condition after conservative treatment for condylar fractures
Kazuhiro Murakami1, Kazuhiko Yamamoto, Tsutomu Sugiura
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nara Medical University, Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan. murakami@naramed-u.ac.jp
Purpose:
This study analyzed the changes in mandibular movement and occlusal condition after conservative treatment for unilateral condylar fractures by use of a sensitive occlusal pressure sheet (Dental Prescale; Fujifilm, Tokyo, Japan) for the evaluation of occlusal condition.
Patients And Methods:
We compared 18 patients conservatively treated for unilateral condylar fracture with 23 control subjects. Mandibular movement and occlusal condition were evaluated at 3 and 6 months after conservative treatment.
Results:
Maximal mouth opening over 40 mm was achieved at 6 months but was not improved to the control level. Recovery of lateral excursion, protrusion, or deviation on mouth opening was also limited at 6 months. Occlusal area, which was reduced at 3 months, had significantly improved at 6 months. The asymmetry index of the occlusal area was significantly improved at 6 months compared with that at 3 months. Mean pressure in the patient group was significantly greater than that in the control group. Total occlusal force, which was reduced at 3 months, was significantly improved at 6 months. The asymmetry index of occlusal force, which was significantly greater than that in the control group, was significantly improved at 6 months.
Conclusions:
Mandibular movement was increased at 6 months despite the slight disturbance in lateral excursion to the nonfractured side and the presence of deviation on mouth opening. Occlusal area and occlusal force improved at 6 months, although mean pressure remained slightly higher than that in the control group.
