[Late results of 15 years and longer after mandibular condyle fractures]

A sample of 91 patients who had suffered from condylar fractures in the years 1970-1977 could be followed up. The mean follow up period was 19.8 years. As a prognostic relevant parameter the patient's age at the time of the accident as well as the type of the fracture where taken into account. Clinically young (8-11 years at the time of the accident) patient's with no or low grade dislocation showed the best results. Almost 36% of the patients with high grade dislocation or luxation presented measurable pathological changes during function. The condylar movement was assessed by using 3D-optoelectronic measurement. Despite severe radiographic alterations and hindered condylar translation in cases with high grade dislocation or luxation, mouth opening was not restricted in the majority of the patients. It seems that the lack of condylar translation is compensated by extensive rotation.