Condylar trauma and facial asymmetry: an experimental study

Surgical intracapsular concylar fractures were initiated on young monkeys followed by prolonged intermaxillary fixation in an effort to create facial asymmetry and induce temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Implanted head positioners and metallic bone markers were used to document developing facial asymmetry in all animals. Vertical opening capabilities were fully recovered and the procedures had no discernible functional impact. Slight limitation of movement persisted only in the translation of the damaged condyles. It was concluded that trauma followed by long term fixation had no effect in promoting ankylosis or significant limitation of jaw movement. It is suggested that when considering the role of trauma in the aetiology of ankylosis, attention be given to those factors which may complicate an existing trauma.