Functional and radiographic long-term results after bad split in orthognathic surgery

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) is a standard procedure in orthognathic surgery. The aim of the present study was to perform a matched pair analysis (bad sagittal split versus regular sagittal split) regarding the functional and radiographic long-term results after BSSO. Of 110 cases of mandibular hypoplasy treated with BSSO, 7 cases of bad sagittal splits (Group A) were selected, clinically examined and matched to 7 cases where no bad split occurred (Group B). The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporo Mandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), condylar morphology scale (CMS) and ramus height measurements using orthopantomograms were carried out in the follow-up period to observe the clinical and functional status and condylar resorbtion or remodelling. The mean follow-up time was 28.6 months. The RDC/TMD examination did not show a higher incidence of temporomandibular dysfunction, including pain or clicking in the bad split group. Patients without a bad split showed statistically significant (p<0.05) better mouth opening. The CMS measurements were comparable in both groups. When compared with regular splits, bad splits, if treated in an appropriate manner, have a good chance of functional success, although, some mandibular movements can be compromised.     

A comparative evaluation of osteosynthesis with lag screws, miniplates, or Kirschner wires for mandibular condylar process fractures.

PURPOSE: This study compared the clinical and radiologic outcomes of open treatment of mandibular condylar process fractures using lag screws, miniplates, or Kirschner wires. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Open reduction and internal fixation was performed for severely displaced or dislocated mandibular condylar process fractures in 23 patients (26 fractures) using Eckelt lag screws, in 10 patients (10 fractures) using Kirschner wires, and in 21 patients (22 fractures) using miniplates. Clinical and radiologic evaluations were made 6 months postoperatively and at final follow-up (mean, 18.4 months; range, 7 to 106 months). Radiologic evaluation included accuracy of reduction of the fractured condylar processes and changes in ramus height. RESULTS: Most fractured condylar processes (approximately 90%) were repositioned precisely in all groups. A shortening of the ramus of more than 5 mm was observed significantly more frequently (P <.05) in the miniplate group than in the lag screw group at 6 months. The condyles were severely resorbed in 2 or 3 patients in each group. All of these patients were associated with malunion, and partial bone resorption of the condyles was seen during the first 6 months. The relation between reduction or screw position and bone healing in patients treated with lag screws indicated that correct reduction and screw insertion allowed normal bone healing. The patients in all groups showed satisfactory clinical results. No significant intergroup differences were noted in maximum mouth opening and laterotrusion. However, deviation during mouth opening was significantly greater (P <.05) in cases treated with miniplates than with lag screws. CONCLUSION: Lag screw osteosynthesis may be more advantageous for restoration of ramus height than miniplates or Kirschner wires.     

长螺钉在下颌骨髁突斜形骨折内固定中的应用研究

目的:探讨长螺钉在下颌骨髁突骨折内固定中的应用,对其疗效进行初步评价。方法:对29例髁突高位斜形骨折患者经耳前途径行髁突解剖复位长螺钉内固定。测量术前、术后高度正常侧与降低侧下颌升支长度差值的变化(双侧髁突骨折时至少一侧为矢状骨折,该侧升支高度正常者才纳入研究),骨折段前后向及内外侧向的夹角,对结果进行统计分析及随访观察。结果:患者术后愈合良好,X线测量显示:术前患侧升支缩短高度平均6.6mm,术后为2.3mm,升支高度有显著性恢复;术前前后向平均夹角为47.7°,术后为9.8°,术前内外向平均夹角为60°,术后为16.9°,两组均有显著性改善。13例随访患者主观满意(随访时间为3～23个月,平均9个月),平均开口度为39mm,开口型正常,前伸、侧向运动幅度均大于5mm,无功能障碍。除2例双侧髁突骨折患者的髁突中度吸收外,其余均恢复良好。结论:长螺钉可用于髁突斜形骨折开放复位的内固定,特别是累及囊内的高位骨折,但其长期效果有待进一步随访观察。     

Open Reduction and Rigid Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condylar Fractures by an Intraoral Approach: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of 15 Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results obtained with open reduction and rigid internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures by an intraoral approach. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with 24 mandibular condylar fractures were retrospectively examined with an average follow-up of 23 months (range, 6-63 months). Clinical and radiographic examination was conducted according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), including an evaluation of maximum voluntary bite force measurements and facial nerve function. Statistical analysis was performed on maximum voluntary bite force measurements and maximum pressure pain threshold. RESULTS: Two patients fulfilled the criteria for a RDC/TMD diagnosis. Myofacial pain (group I) and bilateral arthralgia (group III), combined with a moderate nonspecific physical symptom score, was diagnosed in 1 patient and 1 patient received a diagnosis of disc displacement with reduction (group II). Satisfying radiographic fracture healing was seen in 12 joints. However, miniplate fracture occurred in 3 patients and severe bone resorption of the condylar head was seen in one patient. Minor adjustment of the postoperative occlusion was necessary in 6 patients. No significant difference between maximum voluntary isometric bite force measurements or maximum pressure pain threshold was found between the fracture side and the opposite side in unilateral cases or between the operated and nonoperated side in bilateral cases. None of the patients showed facial nerve injury or visible facial scars. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of a retrospective study, the present study emphasized that optimal management of dislocated bilateral condylar injuries combined with other fractures of the facial skeleton constitute a challenging issue in maxillofacial trauma. Moreover, open reduction and rigid internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures by an intraoral approach is a technically demanding surgical procedure associated with a high risk of postoperative complications in these injuries.     

Mandibular jaw movement capacity in 10-17-yr-old children and adolescents: normative values and the influence of gender, age, and temporomandibular disorders

The aims of this study were, first, to report normative values for jaw movements in Caucasian children and adolescents (maximum opening, laterotrusion, and protrusion) and, second, to investigate the influence of age, gender, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) on jaw movement capacity. The population-based study included 1,011 randomly selected German children and adolescents, aged 10-17 yr. Case histories, as well as mandibular movements and the presence of TMD, were assessed according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). The mean +/- standard deviation for maximum opening was 50.6 +/- 6.4 mm, for laterotrusion to the right was 10.2 +/- 2.2 mm, for laterotrusion to the left was 10.6 +/- 2.3 mm, and for protrusion was 8.2 +/- 2.5 mm. Bivariable (t-test) and multivariable (linear regression) analyses showed that normative values for jaw opening capacity were influenced by age and gender. No influence on jaw movement capacity was seen when TMD were present. Based on the distribution of the measurements in the population (lowest decentile), the mandibular mobility of subjects with a maximum opening of < 43 mm and laterotrusive movements < 8 mm or protrusive movements < 5 mm might be considered as being limited. However, these limitations do not necessarily require treatment.     

Assessment of patients treated for intracapsular fractures of the mandibular condyle by closed techniques.

PURPOSE: The goals to study different lines of intracapsular fractures of the mandibular condyle and to evaluate their influence on the prognosis after closed treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical, radiologic, and axiographic follow-up of 40 patients with 50 intracapsular fractures of the mandibular condyle was carried out after closed treatment. The examinations were performed an average of 22 weeks after treatment. Three types of intracapsular fractures were distinguished: type A, or fractures through the medial condylar pole; type B, or fractures through the lateral condylar pole with loss of vertical height of mandibular ramus, and type M, multiple fragments, comminuted fractures. RESULTS: Moderate to serious dysfunction was observed in 33% of the cases. Radiologic examination of fracture types B and M revealed a reduction in the height of the mandibular ramus of up to 13% compared with the contralateral side. These 2 fracture types also resulted in the most prominent deformations of the condylar head. Axiography revealed irregular excursions and a limitation of condylar movement in comminuted fractures of up to 74% compared with the nonfractured side. CONCLUSION: Lesions to the osseodiscoligamentous complex of the temporomandibular joint caused by intracapsular fractures of the mandibular condyle can be severe. The poor functional and radiologic results encountered in the fracture types B and M showed the limitations of closed functional treatment.     

经腮腺入路复位固定下颌骨骨折

目的：探讨经腮腺入路行髁突低位骨折和下颌支骨折切开复位内固定的可行性。方法：对22例低位髁突骨折和4例下颌支骨折采用经腮腺入路行切开复位内固定术。结果：26例（100％）均使用2块接骨板固定,26（100％）例咬合关系基本恢复到伤前情况,术后开口度26～48mm（平均38．3mm）。2例（8％）出现面神经颊支损伤症状,3个月内均恢复正常,未出现面神经永久损伤病例及涎漏等并发症。结论：经腮腺人路行髁突低位骨折和下颌支骨折解剖复位坚强内固定,视野暴露好,复位固定可靠,面神经损伤较少。     

颌下切口下颌升支垂直截骨在髁突高位骨折手术中的应用

目的:探讨应用颌下切口下颌升支垂直截骨术治疗髁突高位骨折的效果。方法:对16例(19侧)下颌骨髁突高位骨折患者采用颌下切口下颌骨升支后缘垂直截骨取出升支后缘骨块将骨折的髁突游离后取出,体外直视下将骨折片与升支后缘骨块复位固定后再回植,行颞下颌关节重建。结果:于术后6、12、24个月复查全部患者的开口度为30～48 mm,平均34.92 mm。所有患者咬合关系良好,无关节疼痛症状。部分病人有轻度开口偏斜,均<3 mm,有1例患者有关节弹响。结论:颌下切口下颌升支垂直截骨是治疗髁突高位骨折的一种可选择方法,具有操作简便、复位准确、近期疗效满意等优点。     

Hypomobility after maxillary and mandibular osteotomies

A retrospective recall study of forty patients was made to examine mandibular function after orthognathic surgery. Maximum maxillomandibular opening, protrusion, and lateral excursions were measured and compared with similar mandibular movements in a control group of patients of comparable age. Six months to 42 months after maxillary and mandibular osteotomies, the majority of patients demonstrated decreased maxillomandibular opening compared to the control group 54.8 mm (SD 4.7). The decrease was most dramatic in patients previously treated with sagittal split ramus osteotomies. The mean maxillomandibular opening after Le Fort I osteotomy to reposition the maxilla superiorly was 48.7 mm (SD 5.7); after bilateral intraoral vertical ramus osteotomies to retract the mandible it was 48.6 mm (SD 5.7); and after bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies to advance the mandible it was 35.1 mm (SD 6.7). The presence of mandibular hypomobility after orthognathic surgery and maxillomandibular immobilization may be due to pre-existing or surgically induced muscle or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Our findings indicate the need for routine clinical assessment of mandibular function preoperatively and for a systematic regimen of muscular and occlusal rehabilitation postsurgically to normalize muscle function, condylar movement, and range of mandibular motion.     

Klinische, radiologische und axiographische Untersuchung nach konservativ funktioneller Behandlung diakapitulärer Kiefergelenkfrakturen

Purpose. The different lines of intracapsular fractures of the mandibular condyle were studied and their influence on the prognosis following close treatment was evaluated. Methods. In 40 patients with 50 intracapsular fractures of the mandibular condyle the following evaluation was carried out after close treatment: clinical, radiological and axiographical follow-up. The examinations were performed between 0,5–5 years following treatment. Three types of intracapsular fractures were distinguished. Type A = fractures through the medial condylar pole, type B = fractures through the lateral condylar pole with loss of vertical height of mandibular ramus, type M = multiple fragments, comminuted fractures. Results. Moderate to serious dysfunction was observed in 33% of the cases. Radiological examination of fracture types B and M revealed a reduction in the height of the mandibular ramus by up to 13% as compared to the contralateral side. Also with regard to deformation of the condylar head these two fracture types resulted in the most prominent pathological findings. Axiography revealed irregular excursions and a clear limitation of condylar movement in comminuted fractures by up to 74% as compared to the non-fractured side. Conclusion. The findings emphasize the severity of lesions to the osseo-disko-ligamentous complex of the TMJ caused by intracapsular fractures of the mandibular condyle. The poor functional and radiological results encountered in the fracture types B and M demonstrated the limits of conservative functional treatment. With regard to fracture type B it may be discussed whether surgical therapy would improve the results.     

Management of malunited mandibular condylar fractures

The non-surgical treatment of mandibular condylar fractures, may occasionally result in articular imbalance and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This may be attributed to condylar head displacement and resorption, resulting in a shortened vertical ramus and lost posterior vertical facial height. Restoring the vertical ramus height is essential in the treatment of such dysfunction, and may be accomplished by unilateral, or bilateral ramus osteotomies. Four examples of patients treated with mandibular ramus osteotomies to restore vertical ramus height, with subsequent improvement in occlusal balance and function are presented. The use of the sagittal split mandibular osteotomy and the external vertical ramus osteotomy, stabilized with small osseous plates, and monocortical screws, is discussed.     

Transoral miniplate osteosynthesis of condylar neck fractures.

OBJECTIVE: In a retrospective study, we reviewed a series of 55 consecutive patients with 57 fractures of the condylar neck that were treated with transoral miniplate osteosynthesis. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-one patients were included in a clinical follow-up study; the median length of study was 26.5 months (minimum, 7 months; maximum, 79 months). In a radiographic study, the positions of the condyle before open reduction, after open reduction, and more than 6 months postoperatively were evaluated in 3 radiographic planes. A statistical analysis was performed to determine factors that lead to secondary instability of the reduced condyle and to correlate the actual position of the condyle with clinical parameters collected in follow-up examinations. RESULTS: At the time of the follow-up examination, the median measurement of the mandibular openings was 48.3 +/- 8.0 mm (minimum, 32 mm; maximum, 66 mm). A deviation of 2 mm to the operated side when opening was observed in 7 patients. The median range of laterotrusion was 10.0 mm to the fracture side and 9. 0 mm to the opposite side. In 7 patients, radiographic follow-up more than 6 months postoperatively revealed a medial tilt of the proximal fragment of 15 to 40 degrees despite a good immediate postoperative position of the condyle. This may be attributed to bone resorption in the fracture gap, together with a bending instability observed when titanium miniplates with a thickness of 0. 9 mm were used. The position of the condyle at the follow-up examination did not correlate with clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Transoral approach miniplate osteosynthesis of dislocated condylar neck fractures is indicated when visible scars in the head and neck region, which are encountered with other fixation techniques, must be avoided.     

Temporomandibular disorders in patients with mandibular fractures: a preliminary comparative case-control study between South Australia and Oman

The status of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in subjects with previously treated mandibular fracture was evaluated in two centres: South Australia (SA) and Oman (O). TMD status was evaluated using Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ), Helkimo index for clinical dysfunction (HI), RDC/TMD and Wilkes’ classification. Data were retrieved for adult patients treated for mandibular fracture over 3 years from January 2004 to December 2006. Thirty-six subjects participated from SA and 23 from O. Their results were compared with matched controls. The incidence of TMD symptoms in SA injured and control groups was higher compared with the O groups. There was statistically significant difference on all evaluation indices for SA injured subjects compared with controls (MFIQ/P 0.04, HI/P 0.0015, RDC/TMD/P 0.05, Wilkes classification/P 0.03). These TMD symptoms were clinically insignificant for most subjects and all were internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). There was no significant difference in all evaluation indices for O injured subjects compared with controls. For SA injured subjects who reported clinically significant TMD symptoms, assault and bilateral mandibular fractures were predominant features. The study shows that most mandibular injuries fully recover and the associated TMJ trauma usually has low clinical significance in the long term.     

三维CT成像诊断髁突骨折的临床研究

目的：探讨获得高质量颞颌关节三维ＣＴ影像的方法,评价其对髁突骨折的诊断价值。方法;对１４例髁突骨折患者,采用３种扫描方式（横断,冠状,螺旋）,２种扫描范围（横断位：眶耳平面上方１ｃｍ至下颌升支中份或颏下点。冠状位：乳突至下颌升支前缘或颏前点）。和２种层厚（２．５ｎｍ,５．０ｍｍ）扫描,以勾画法删除层面影像中的颈椎,茎突,枕骨和部分乳突,表面阴影显示法（ＳＳＤ）完成三维重建。     

Condyle-preserved arthroplasty versus costochondral grafting in paediatric temporomandibular joint ankylosis: a retrospective investigation

We aimed to evaluate results of condyle-preserved arthroplasty and costochondral grafting in growing children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis through medium-term follow-up and three-dimensional metric analysis. We assessed 11 patients (14 sides) with type II ankylosis (group A) and 11 patients (13 sides) with type III/IV (group B) from January 2012 to December 2015. Group A patients received condyle-preserved arthroplasty and group B patients received costochondral grafting. Postoperative computed tomography was used to measure condylar height, condylar width, mandibular ramus height and mandibular body length. Changes in maximum mouth opening were evaluated >1 year postoperatively.Postoperative follow-up showed similar average maximum mouth opening and one case of recurrence in each group. Computed tomography measurements showed that condylar width and mandibular ramus height increased in both groups A and B (P < 0.05). Moreover, in group A, condylar angulation of medially displaced malformation decreased by 13.2° (P < 0.05), and mandibular body length increased by 5.7 mm (P < 0.05). Thus, both condyle-preserved arthroplasty and costochondral grafting were effective surgical methods for treatment of temporomandibular joint ankylosis. Moreover, compared with group B, group A patients manifested more remarkable mandibular growth, at least in the anteroposterior direction of the mandibular body.     

髁突囊内骨折的临床特点和分类研究

目的：探讨髁突囊内骨折的临床特点,并提出一种能全面反映囊内骨折的分型,为临床制定治疗计划提供依据。方法：统计上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院口腔颌面外科关节组自1999—2008年住院手术和2007年6月—2008年12月门诊非手术治疗,经全景片和CT确诊为髁突囊内骨折的连续病例242例329侧,进行临床特点分析。部分病例经MRI检查观察关节盘移位情况。根据CT冠状位重建对囊内骨折进行分类,根据骨折线的位置,将髁突囊内骨折分为4型。A型骨折的骨折线位于髁突外1/3,B型骨折的骨折线位于中1/3,C型骨折的骨折线位于内1/3,M型骨折为粉碎性骨折。结果：囊内骨折占髁突骨折的66.8%,摔伤是主要的致伤原因。45%的囊内骨折合并下颌骨骨折。骨折侧下颌支残端外上方移位或脱位出关节窝的比例是8.8%,其中73%伴颏部或下颌体骨折。95%的囊内骨折伴关节盘前内侧移位。囊内骨折类型中,A型最多（155侧）,占47.8%;其次是B型（95侧）,占29.32%;M型（61侧）,占18.8%;C型最少（13侧）,占4%。结论：囊内骨折是下颌骨髁突骨折的最常见类型,易合并下颌骨骨折,导致下颌支残端移位或脱出关节窝。以冠状CT为主要依据的分类方法,能较全面地反映髁突囊内骨折的类型。     

Retrospective analysis of low-velocity gunshot wounds to the mandible

A retrospective study was conducted of 32 patients with mandibular fractures resulting from low-velocity gunshot injuries. Airway management was required in 25% of the patients, and 9% sustained major vessel injury. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on site of mandibular fracture: condyle, ramus, and coronoid (n = 10), and angle, body, and symphysis (n = 22). All patients in the condyle, ramus, coronoid group achieved clinical union without infection. Average postinjury maximal mandibular opening was restricted (28 mm), but the average follow-up period was relatively short (2 months). In the angle, body, symphysis group the infection rate was 27%, and in 18% of patients a continuity defect of the mandible developed. The average length of follow-up in this group was 5.4 months with a mean maximal mandibular opening of 36 mm.     

Outcomes of treatment for intracapsular fractures of the mandibular condyle: recommendation for a new classification

We know of no universally accepted classification for intracapsular condylar fractures. We propose here a new classification based on the concept of a “disc-condyle” unit, and validate the classification based on outcomes of treatment. From 1 January 2010 - 31 December 2014, 55 patients with unilateral intracapsular condylar fractures were classified into three types: type A has no reduction in mandibular height or displacement of the disc (n = 7); type B has displacement of the disc with no reduction in mandibular height (n = 17); and type C has reduced mandibular height with or without displacement of the disc (n = 31). We treated types B and C by open reduction and fixation, while type A fractures were managed non-surgically. At six month follow-up, we found no significant differences in the vertical height of the ramus, mandibular deviation, protrusion, or lateral protrusion between the fractured and healthy sides. All patients had normal occlusion postoperatively and only one patient (type C) reported pain. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography showed good osseous healing and disc-condylar relations in all cases. Our results show that this new classification of intracapsular condylar fractures is a safe and easy way to obtain satisfactory outcomes of treatment. However, it needs further independent validation.