Relationship between fracture of mandibular condyle and absence of unerupted mandibular third molar—a retrospective study

Purpose

The purpose of the present study was to find, if there exists, a co-relation between presence of unerupted mandibular third molar and fracture of mandibular condyle.

Methods

A retrospective, multicenter study was done collecting the data of all mandibular condyle fractures treated from November 2006 till August 2015. Data was collected from the patient’s records and radiographs for the following information: age, sex, etiology of fracture, presence and state of lower third molars, and associated fracture. The results were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

Out of 180 patients of condylar fracture, unerupted third molars were present in 35 (19.44 %) cases compared to 145 (80.55 %) cases of condylar fracture where the unerupted third molars were not present. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the unerupted third molar present group, isolated bilateral condylar fracture was seen in 4 (11.4 %) cases, bilateral condylar fracture associated with other mandibular fractures in 9 (25.7 %) cases, isolated unilateral condylar fracture in 0 (0.0 %) cases, and unilateral condylar fracture associated with other mandibular fractures in 17 (48.5 %) cases and condylar fracture associated with mid face fractures in 5 (14.2 %) cases. In the unerupted third molar absent group, isolated bilateral condylar fracture was seen in 5 (3.4 %) cases, bilateral condylar fracture associated with other mandibular fractures in 30 (20.6 %) cases, isolated unilateral condylar fracture in 24 (16.5 %) cases, unilateral condylar fracture associated with other mandibular fractures in 73 (50.34 %) cases, and condylar fracture associated with mid face fractures in 13(8.96 %) cases. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.032).

Conclusion

This study suggests that the fractures of mandibular condylar region have a significantly higher incidence in patients without an unerupted mandibular third molar.

     

Fractures of the mandibular condyle: a review of 466 cases. Literature review, reflections on treatment and proposals.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of condylar fractures is high. Condylar fractures can be extracapsular (condylar neck or subcondylar) or intracapsular, undisplaced, deviated, displaced or dislocated. Treatment depends on the age of the patient, the co-existence of other mandibular or maxillary fractures, whether the condylar fracture is unilateral or bilateral, the level and displacement of the fracture, the state of dentition and the dental occlusion, and the surgeon's experience. PURPOSE: This report presents the experience acquired in the treatment of 466 condylar fractures over 7 years, reviews the pertinent literature and proposes guidelines for treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The archives of KAT, General District Hospital between 1995 and 2002 were scrutinized and the condylar fractures were recorded. The aetiology, age, sex, level of fracture, degree of displacement, associated facial fractures, malocclusion, and type of treatment were noted. RESULTS: Four hundred and sixty-six condylar fractures were admitted, the male:female ratio was 3.5:1. Road traffic accidents were the main cause and most fractures were unilateral, displaced, subcondylar, occurred on the left side and were treated conservatively. CONCLUSIONS: Early mobilization is the key in treating condylar fractures. Whilst rigid internal fixation provides stabilization and allows early mobilization, conservative treatment is the treatment of choice for the majority of fractures. Children and intracapsular fractures are treated conservatively with or without maxillo-mandibular fixation. Open reduction is recommended in selected cases to restore the occlusion, in severely displaced and dislocated fractures, in cases of loss of ramus height, and in edentulous patients. It may be considered in those with 'medical problems' where intermaxillary fixation is not recommended.     

Retromandibular approach for reduction and fixation of mandibular condylar fractures: A clinical experience

This study evaluated the efficiency and safety of a retromandibular approach to reduce and fix displaced condylar fractures. The study group included 31 patients who had undergone surgery for 35 condylar fractures (8 bilateral, 23 unilateral). Consultants and residents had performed the procedure. Inclusion criteria were: patient's choice for open reduction and fixation; displaced unilateral condylar fractures with occlusal derangement; bilateral condylar fractures with anterior open bite. Restriction of lateral movement towards the unaffected side was observed preoperatively in all cases taken up. There was a difference in the lateral movements towards the fractured side (mean 7.2) and unaffected side (mean 4.2) during the first postoperative review. Functional occlusion identical to the preoperative occlusion and good reduction of the condyles was noted in all cases. Facial nerve was encountered in 6 cases (17%) intraoperatively. There was one case (3%) of temporary facial nerve weakness, which resolved within 2 weeks. There was no permanent facial nerve damage in any patient. The retromandibular-transparotid approach seems to be a safe and efficient method for reduction and internal fixation of condylar fractures with little or no risk to the branches of facial nerve.     

Condylar Segment Removal in the Management of Diacapitular Mandibular Fractures

Introduction

Contemporary opinion strongly concurs that isolated intracapsular fractures, in almost every instance, should be treated solely with physical therapy. Based on the premise that although these fractures can result in significant anatomic/radiologic changes in the appearance of the condyle itself, most patients with these fractures recover very well if adequately rehabilitated. However, in our study four cases of high condylar head (diacapitular) fractures were managed by surgically removing the fractured condylar head as it was obstructing mandibular function.

Materials and Methods

The retrospective analytical study was carried out at the Division of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dental Surgery, INHS Kalyani, Vishakhapatnam from Jul 2008 to Aug 2010. Patients who were clinically and radiologically diagnosed with high condylar head/neck fracture who did not respond to conservative management of active mouth opening exercises even after 2–3 weeks of physiotherapy and continued to have no improvement in mouth opening although the occlusion was stable were included in this study. The fractured condylar head was surgically removed and function restored.

Results

A total of four cases, four males with high condylar head fractures were taken up for removal of the fractured condylar segment. In all cases satisfactory mouth opening was achieved intraoperatively. One case presented with troublesome intraoperative bleed.

Discussion

The decision influencing open reduction and internal fixation versus closed reduction is based on the ability to restore function and esthetics. There are strong recommendations for conservatively managing the so called intracapsular or Neff’s fractures. However, if the fracture segment is small and yet is causing restriction in mouth opening and inability to achieve desired occlusion we recommend removal of the fractured condylar segment. In this procedure the proximal segment is removed surgically and mouth opening is assessed. The occlusal discrepancy if any is managed subsequently using elastic traction on previously placed arch bars.

Conclusion

In our experience in those cases where the mouth opening continues to be restricted even after physiotherapy and a radiologically wedged segment is observed, removal of the fractured condylar segment to achieve mouth opening and subsequently managing the occlusion may prove to be beneficial to the patient.     

Resorbable Plates for Fixation of Complicated Mandibular Fractures in Children

Purpose

The purpose of this article was to review our experience in the treatment of complicated mandibular fractures in children using resorbable plates.

Patients and Methods

Records of 14 patients who sustained and presented to our department with complicated fractures of the mandible, and were treated with resorbable plates were retrieved. Permission was sought from and granted by the institution ethical committee. Data extracted included patients’ gender, age, etiology of fracture, nature of fracture and site of the fracture.

Results

Of the 14 patients, there were 10 males and 4 females with a male to female (M:F) ratio of 2.5:1. Their ages ranged from 6 to 15 years, with a mean of 10.14 years. The etiology of the fractures included road traffic accidents (n = 11) and falls (n = 3). Most of the fractures were sustained on the body of the mandible. Majority of the patients had displacement of the fracture segments; 2 patients had comminuted fractures. All the fractures were treated using resorbable plates and healed uneventfully.

Conclusion

Whereas the number of patients in this case series was small, it is worth noting that children sometimes present with complicated fractures of the mandible, thereby necessitating open reduction and internal fixation. Resorbable plates when available and affordable, are an effective option for open reduction and internal fixation of such fractures.     

中国颌面外科高年资医师髁突骨折治疗观点一致性的调查

目的 了解中国颌面外科高年资医师在髁突骨折治疗观点上的分歧及其影响因素,分析国内外同行间的观点差别.方法 依据骨折类型、移位程度、发生部位和患者年龄,从85例髁突骨折中逐步筛查出18种不同损伤情况的病例.采用现场问卷形式,对46位长期从事颌面创伤治疗的高年专科医师进行髁突骨折"手术"与"非手术"治疗观点的调查,并在讨论中与Baker的调查结果进行比较分析.结果 46位调查对象对18例骨折的治疗方案选择中,3例治疗观点具有一致性,9例观点具有倾向性,6例观点严重分歧.18例髁突骨折中,选择8例手术,4例非手术,其余治疗方案不确定.儿童骨折均主张非手术治疗,青少年髁颈下脱位性骨折主张手术治疗,与国外学者观点趋于一致.成人矢状和粉碎性骨折、髁颈和髁颈下轻度错位骨折争议较大,国外学者观点不主张手术.双侧髁颈下脱位性骨折国内外医师均主张手术.单侧髁颈和髁颈下移位性骨折,国内医师主张手术,国外医师不主张手术.结论 髁突骨折手术与非手术治疗观点方面,约1/3的国内高年资医师间存在严重分歧.对儿童骨折采用非手术治疗和成人双侧髁颈下脱位性骨折手术治疗的观点较为一致.与国外相比,国内医师更倾向于手术治疗.     

成人髁突骨折保守治疗与手术治疗的系统评价

目的：评价保守治疗或手术治疗成人髁突骨折的疗效。方法：运用循证医学方法，选用开口度、咬合关系2个结局变量，利用SPSS11．0软件包中R×C列联表的妒检验对不同骨折部位治疗方法的选择是否相同进行假设检验。综合评价国内外已公开发表的关于成人髁突骨折经保守治疗或手术治疗的疗效研究。总样本361例，手术例数共246例，非手术例数115例。其中，高位骨折手术例数49例，非手术例数71例；中位骨折手术例数70例，非手术例数19例；低位骨折手术例数127例；非手术例数25例。结果：（1）高位骨折，手术组开口度恢复情况好于非手术组；中位骨折，手术组开口度恢复情况与非手术组相同；对于低位骨折，手术组开口度恢复情况与非手术组亦相同。（2）高位骨折，手术组咬合关系恢复率高于非手术组：中位骨折，手术组咬合关系恢复情况与非手术组相同：低位骨折．手术组咬合关系恢复情况与非手术组相同。结论：髁突高位骨折经手术治疗后，开15度及咬合关系均优于非手术治疗：中位骨折及低位骨折经手术治疗与非手术治疗后，开口度及咬合关系无显著差异。     

穿腮腺入路治疗髁颈及髁突基底部骨折

目的：探讨穿腮腺入路治疗髁颈及髁突基底部的安全性及有效性。方法：对15例（21侧）髁颈及髁突基底部骨折患者选择穿腮腺入路切开复位内固定术。结果：15例患者,21例侧髁突骨折行手术治疗。19例侧髁突骨折选择2块接骨板固定,2例侧选择1块接骨板固定。所有患者伤口均一期愈合,术后复查全口曲面断层片或三维CT示骨折断端对位良好。除1例患侧后牙暂时性轻度开外,所有患者咬合关系恢复良好。术后1个月复查,张口度32～45mm（平均38mm）。3例侧出现面神经损伤症状,术后3个月内均恢复正常,无1例出现永久性面瘫。所有患者均未出现涎瘘、感染等并发症。结论：相对于髁突骨折的颌后及颌下入路,穿腮腺入路行髁突骨折切开复位内固定术,容易暴露,可直视下完成骨折复位固定,是治疗髁颈和髁突基底部骨折安全有效的手术入路。     

Setbacks of Bio-Resorbable Plates and Screws in the Management of Condylar Fractures: Our Experience

Purpose  

Fractures of the condyle can be managed by open or by closed reduction. This study was designed to mention the complications of the bio-resorbable material we had experienced while using them in the management of condylar fractures.     

Open Reduction and Rigid Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condylar Fractures by an Intraoral Approach: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of 15 Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results obtained with open reduction and rigid internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures by an intraoral approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with 24 mandibular condylar fractures were retrospectively examined with an average follow-up of 23 months (range, 6-63 months). Clinical and radiographic examination was conducted according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), including an evaluation of maximum voluntary bite force measurements and facial nerve function. Statistical analysis was performed on maximum voluntary bite force measurements and maximum pressure pain threshold. RESULTS: Two patients fulfilled the criteria for a RDC/TMD diagnosis. Myofacial pain (group I) and bilateral arthralgia (group III), combined with a moderate nonspecific physical symptom score, was diagnosed in 1 patient and 1 patient received a diagnosis of disc displacement with reduction (group II). Satisfying radiographic fracture healing was seen in 12 joints. However, miniplate fracture occurred in 3 patients and severe bone resorption of the condylar head was seen in one patient. Minor adjustment of the postoperative occlusion was necessary in 6 patients. No significant difference between maximum voluntary isometric bite force measurements or maximum pressure pain threshold was found between the fracture side and the opposite side in unilateral cases or between the operated and nonoperated side in bilateral cases. None of the patients showed facial nerve injury or visible facial scars. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of a retrospective study, the present study emphasized that optimal management of dislocated bilateral condylar injuries combined with other fractures of the facial skeleton constitute a challenging issue in maxillofacial trauma. Moreover, open reduction and rigid internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures by an intraoral approach is a technically demanding surgical procedure associated with a high risk of postoperative complications in these injuries.     

髁状突骨折与颞颌关节骨性强直关系的初步探讨

目的　探讨髁状突骨折与发生颞颌关节骨性强直的关系。方法　对 2 8例有髁状突骨折病史的颞颌关节骨性强直患者 ,术前拍颞下颌骨全景X线片 ,CT横断或冠状扫描 ,部分病侧同时行二维和三维重建 ,并与外伤后X线片对照。在施行颞颌关节成形关节重建术中 ,采用颧弓根水平高位截骨 ,探查髁状突和关节盘的存在。结果　 2 8例伤后的X线片均提示 :发生颞颌关节强直的病例为髁状突高位 (囊内 )横断骨折。而且 ,髁状突骨折块移位大 ,下颌升支明显上移。术前冠状CT显示髁状突移位于关节骨性强直区的内侧 ,上移的下颌升支与关节窝骨性融合。术中探查发现 2 0例 2 2侧有明显移位的完整的髁状突和关节盘。结论　在髁状突颈部高位 (囊内 )横断骨折病例 ,若髁状突骨折块发生严重移位、脱出关节窝外 ,可同时伴发关节盘移位。而下颌升支则在升颌肌群牵引下明显上移 ,形成对关节窝的继发损伤 ,最终导致颞颌关节骨性强直。对该类髁状突骨折应积极开放复位固定     

下颌骨髁突骨折手术治疗的临床观察

目的:探讨下颌骨髁突骨折患者手术适应证与临床处理技术要点。方法:开放性手术治疗髁突骨折患者25例。其中19例骨折片复位后采用坚强内固定;6例髁突粉碎性骨折者,行髁突摘除,且其中4例行带血管蒂的颞筋膜瓣关节成形术。对比患者手术前后临床症状及X线结果,评价骨折愈合情况。结果:优19例(76%),良6例(24%)。结论:对伴有移位或错位的髁突骨折,开放性手术及坚强内固定术,可获得较好的疗效。     

526例下颌骨髁状突骨折临床病例回顾性研究

目的:探讨下颌骨髁状突骨折的发生特点。方法:通过对526例髁状突骨折病案资料的调查,对髁状突骨折的发生年龄、性别、致伤原因、骨折类型、合併伤、治疗及后遗症进行分析?峁?髁状突骨折好发于20~30岁;男性多于女性,交通事故伤(47.97%)为主要致伤原因;髁状突骨折60.59%发生在髁颈部;49.62%合并颏部骨折;儿童髁状突骨折69.85%采用保守治疗,高位(囊内)骨折69.52%摘除骨折断端;3.23%继发关节强直。结论:髁状突骨折好发于髁颈部,髁状突矢状骨折及髁颈部骨折伴骨折断端和关节盘移位严重的骨折处理不当易发生关节强直。     

The retromandibular transparotid approach for reduction and rigid internal fixation using two locking miniplates in mandibular condylar neck fractures

We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and morbidity associated with the treatment of displaced mandibular condylar neck fractures using a retromandibular transparotid approach to reduce and rigidly fix using two 2.0-mm locking miniplates. Our surgical inclusion criteria were: patient selection of open reduction and fixation, displaced unilateral condylar fractures with derangement of occlusion, and bilateral condylar fractures with an anterior open bite. The study group consisted of 19 patients who underwent surgery for 19 mandibular condylar neck fractures; patients were analyzed prospectively, with more than 6 months of follow-up, and were evaluated in terms of functional results, scar formation, postoperative complications, and stability of fixation. The results showed that functional occlusion identical to the preoperative condition and correct anatomical reduction of the condylar segments in centric occlusion, followed by immediate functional recovery, was achieved in all patients. No patient suffered from any major or permanent complication postoperatively, although there were two cases (11%) of temporary facial nerve palsy, which resolved completely within 3 months. Surgical scars were barely visible. The retromandibular transparotid approach with open reduction and rigid internal fixation for displaced condylar neck fractures of the mandible is a feasible and safe, minimally invasive surgical technique that provides reliable clinical results.     

Facial Bone Fractures in Ile-Ife,Nigeria: An Update on Pattern of Presentation and Care

Aims

Traumatic injuries remain a major cause of morbidity, mortality and economic loss worldwide. An audit of maxillofacial injuries presenting and managed at any facility is key to understanding the trends, strategies for prevention and improving outcome of care. We sought to study the pattern and treatment of facial bone fractures managed at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, between 2005 and 2013. Also, to compare these with the pattern in the preceding 29 years.

Methods

Data on patients’ socio-demographics, dates of injury and presentation, interval before presentation, agent of injury, type of crash, patient’s status, type(s) of fracture, extent of injury, treatment offered and outcome were collected and analyzed.

Results

311 patients aged 5–72 years were reviewed. A male preponderance was observed. Peak age incidence was 21–30 years and 86.1 % of injuries resulted from road traffic crashes (RTC) most (67.5 %) of which were motorcycle related injuries. 215 patients sustained mandibular fractures in 311 sites while 141 patients sustained 225 midface fractures. Of the 242 patients managed definitively, only 11.2 % had open reduction and internal fixation.

Conclusion

Motorcycle related RTC remains the major cause of facial bone fractures. Management with osteosynthesis is gradually emerging, although demonstrating fewer complications, it is unaffordable for a majority.

     

Outcomes of treatment for intracapsular fractures of the mandibular condyle: recommendation for a new classification

We know of no universally accepted classification for intracapsular condylar fractures. We propose here a new classification based on the concept of a “disc-condyle” unit, and validate the classification based on outcomes of treatment. From 1 January 2010 - 31 December 2014, 55 patients with unilateral intracapsular condylar fractures were classified into three types: type A has no reduction in mandibular height or displacement of the disc (n = 7); type B has displacement of the disc with no reduction in mandibular height (n = 17); and type C has reduced mandibular height with or without displacement of the disc (n = 31). We treated types B and C by open reduction and fixation, while type A fractures were managed non-surgically. At six month follow-up, we found no significant differences in the vertical height of the ramus, mandibular deviation, protrusion, or lateral protrusion between the fractured and healthy sides. All patients had normal occlusion postoperatively and only one patient (type C) reported pain. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography showed good osseous healing and disc-condylar relations in all cases. Our results show that this new classification of intracapsular condylar fractures is a safe and easy way to obtain satisfactory outcomes of treatment. However, it needs further independent validation.     

Comparison of outcome of open reduction and internal fixation versus closed treatment in pediatric mandible fractures-a retrospective study

The aim of the study was to compare the outcome and complications of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with closed treatment, as well as to review the literature. This was a retrospective study on pediatric patients with mandible fracture. The primary objective was a comparison of outcomes in terms of bone healing, maximal incisal opening (MIO), and occlusion, and the secondary objective was to review complications. A total of 77 pediatric patients (age <12 years) were managed with closed treatment and 23 with ORIF. In all, 62 patients were found with a single fracture (22 patients with parasymphysis fracture and 21 with condyle fracture, followed by symphysis, angle, and body fracture) and 38 patients with more than one fracture, with symphysis and bilateral condyle fracture being the most common. Bone healing was observed in all the patients. Mean MIO was 26.9 ± 2.8 mm and 29.3 ± 1.7 mm in the closed and ORIF group, respectively, and the difference was statistically nonsignificant (p = 0.5). One patient (1.3%) had deranged occlusion, and mobility was observed in one patient (1.3%) in the closed treatment group. Infection and nerve paresthesia were not seen in any patient at follow-up. Although closed treatment is preferred, as it preserves the soft tissue and periosteum, a displaced mandible fracture especially with co-existing condylar fracture should be treated by ORIF.     

髁突骨折55例治疗体会

目的:探讨髁突骨折的治疗方法。方法:回顾性分析55例髁突骨折患者的资料,其中非手术治疗(保守治疗)40人,手术治疗15人,经随访1～5年,观察髁突骨折后成角和恢复情况与远期临床疗效的关系。结果:行保守和手术治疗者的平均髁突骨折移位角度分别为27°和56°,平均年龄分别为23岁和36岁。结论:根据髁突骨折移位角度和年龄来选择保守治疗或手术治疗,其远期效果较好。     

切开复位治疗高位髁状突骨折

目的　探讨切开复位治疗高位髁状突骨折。方法　对 32例 (47侧 )高位髁状突骨折经耳前进路行髁状突复位、微型钛板内固定 ,术后行临床和影像学观察。结果　术后 1年临床评价优良率为 75 % ,无张口受限、关节症状及面神经损伤 ,影像学检查髁状突异常主要有骨折片移位、成角畸形及骨质吸收 ,再移位仅见于单板固定的病例。结论　切开复位治疗高位髁状突骨折可取得满意临床疗效 ,内固定时尽可能行双板固定 ,以达到三维稳固。     

Transmasseteric anterior parotid approach for condylar fractures: experience of 129 cases

We have evaluated the transmasseteric anterior parotid (TMAP) approach in the treatment of 163 condylar fractures in 129 patients. Ninety-five patients presented with unilateral, and 34 with bilateral, fractures. The inclusion criteria were patient's choice for open reduction and internal fixation, displaced unilateral condylar fractures with occlusal derangement, and displaced bilateral condylar fractures with anterior open bite. Mean (SD) maximum interincisal opening after 3 months was 44(5)mm. There were no differences in lateral movements during the reviews 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Protrusive movement at the end of 3 months was 7(2)mm. All patients achieved functional occlusion identical to the pretraumatic occlusion and good reduction of the condyles. No patient developed temporary or permanent facial palsy, sialocele, salivary fistula, or Frey syndrome. The mean (SD) operating time was 46(11)min. The TMAP approach avoids the complications of incision of the parotid gland, minimises the risk of facial nerve palsy, and offers excellent access to the fractured condyle.