Computed tomography of healing condylar fractures with some clinical correlations

A longitudinal study using computed tomographic (CT) examinations has been performed in 79 patients with condylar fracture of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). CT scans were performed following healing to demonstrate the new condylar shape. Maximal incisor distance was measured in all patients. Patients with mild deformities of the condyles had satisfactory function of the TMJs with a maximal distance between the incisors that was similar to 50 healthy controls (average 45 mm). Fifteen patients with severely deformed condyles and an abnormal shape of the glenoid fossa had an average maximal distance between the incisors of 16 mm which corresponded with severe malfunction of the TMJs. The remaining 42 patients with moderate condylar deformity had an average maximal distance between the incisors of 29 mm and the disability of the TMJs was considered to be moderate. The results were statistically significant. There was no resorption of the fractured condylar head or bone fragment. The correlation of the fractured head or fragment and the remodelling of the condyle during the healing process determined the final alignment of the fractured condyle to the glenoid fossa on which the TMJs' function was dependent.