A study of condylar fractures in Sri Lankan patients with special reference to the recent views on treatment, healing and sequelae.

New opinions have emerged from recent investigations into condylar fractures. With these in mind, 219 patients were investigated with regard to clinical and treatment aspects, healing and complications. These injuries comprised 40.2% of the total number of mandibular fractures. The male:female ratio was 3:1. Single fractures of the condyle occurred in 71.7% while the rest were either bilateral or combined with other mandibular fractures. Treatment was largely conservative, early movement being employed in 68.5%. Open reduction was totally avoided. Restitutional healing of the fractured condyle was observed in children but seldom in adults. Complications were found to be minimal. Ankylosis occurred in 1.4% and growth was deficient in two patients. These findings appear to strengthen the older concepts on treatment although the views on healing of condylar fractures, and mandibular growth may have changed in the last decade.