Abstract:

Objective

This retrospective study is aimed to explore a new classification of bilateral condylar fracture and to evaluate the therapeutic effects according to the classification.

Methods

According to the fracture of the condylar head and the changes of the ramus height， 63 cases of bilateral condylar fractures were classified into 3 types， and each one then divided into 3 subtypes. The patients received conservative treatment or operation， respectively. 6 months later， maximal mouth opening，mandibular deviation during opening， lateral movements， protrusive movements， clicking of the temporomandibular joints and the anterior open-bite were examined.

Results

After the treatment， the anterior open-bite was not observed in these cases. 6 patients classified in type Ⅰof the bilateral condylar fracture showed that the maximal mouth opening was less than 35 mm. 10% cases in typeⅡpresented disorders in lateral or protrusive movements， mandibular deviation and clicking of the joints，respectively. No obvious dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints was found in type Ⅲ.

Conclusions

Different treatment should be applied to patients with bilateral condylar fracture according to the fracture type. The fracture of the condylar head leads to poor prognosis of the joint function， while the changes of the ramus height may decide the treatment selection.

Key words: Condyle, Fracture, Treatment, Classification