Occlusal and temporomandibular joint disorders in patients with unilateral condylar fracture. A prospective one-year study.

Adult dentate patients with unilateral condylar fractures were followed up for one year after injury. Patients were interviewed about subjective complaints, and mandibular excursions and function of occlusion and temporomandibular joints (TMJs) were recorded. Radiological characteristics were assessed from panoramic and Towne's views and compared between patients with occlusal disorders and patients without. During follow up, mandibular deviation on opening towards the fractured side was more pronounced in cases with marked reduction of ramus height and condylar dislocation. This restriction of translation movement of the fractured joint was also seen radiologically in one-third of cases while in two-thirds of the fractured condyles, malpositioning was observed when compared with the healthy side. In patients (39%) having subjective symptoms such as TMJ pain, altered occlusion or ability to bite only unilaterally, and objectively verified occlusal interferences, a marked reduction of the ramus height on the fractured side was observed. In such cases nonoperative treatment of condylar fractures may be compromised.