MRI examination of the TMJ and functional results after conservative and surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures

Thirty patients with healed condylar fractures were included in this study. Ten patients were conservatively treated while in 20 patients the fractures were treated surgically. All patients were assessed using: magnetic resonance imaging of both temporomandibular joints (TMJs) to evaluate the disc position and morphology; radiographs to evaluate the alignment of the bony fragments after consolidation; and clinical examination including the stomatognathic functional status and mechanical axiography. The study shows that anatomical reduction of a low, displaced or dislocated condylar fracture by surgical approach may be of benefit for the functional recovery of the TMJ.