CT analysis of temporomandibular joint state in children 5 years after functional treatment of condylar fractures.

This retrospective study assessed the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) state of children who had suffered unilateral condylar fractures at least 5 years before and had been treated by functional orthopedic methods alone. The sample group were examined radiologically by computed tomography (CT) spiral scans which were reformatted to two-dimensional (2-D) images in different anatomic planes and to 3-D reconstructions in various projections. Although the seven patients who formed the sample group showed good-to-excellent functional results, the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the scans revealed alterations of size, shape, bony remodeling, and position of the condyle on the fracture side, as well as adaptive changes of the temporal component of the joint. We recommend spiral CT for assessment of TMJ disorders and fractures of the condyle at the time of injury and for follow-up assessment.