Condylar fractures of the mandible. IV. Function of the masticatory system.

The masticatory system was followed-up with respect to symptoms of dysfunction such as restricted mandibular movements, tenderness, and clicking from muscles and joints at predetermined times after condylar fractures of the mandible in 24 children, 17 teenagers, and 26 adults. Two years after the trauma, the initially reduced (less than 40 mm) maximal opening became normal (larger than or equal to 40 mm) in all but one individual. Asymmetry of mandibular movements, such as deviation at maximal opening and differences between fractured and nonfractured side in maximal lacterotrusion and protrusion, usually disappeared within 2 years in children, while it persisted or became aggravated in adults. Persistent symtoms from the joints and muscles, such as clicking and tenderness, were rare in children and frequent in adults.