Condylar displacement after sagittal splitting of the mandibular rami. A short-term radiographic study.

In a radiographic follow-up study the extent, frequency and direction of condylar displacement after surgical correction of bite anomalies by sagittal splitting of the mandibular rami was investigated. 35 patients were involved in the study. Pre- and post-operatively P.A.-views of the skull, linear tomograms and individualized lateral oblique radiographs of each temporomandibular joint were taken. Postoperative changes of condylar position were measured on the lateral oblique radiographs. The results indicate that condylar displacements are found frequently after sagittal splitting of the rami. Most of them are combined with rotation or tilting of the axis of the condyle or the condylar neck. Method of osteosynthesis and direction of movement of the tooth bearing fragment seem to influence the direction and amount of condylar displacement.