CT morphology and function of the temporomandibular joint following conservative functional treatment of temporomandibular joint fractures

In 8 adult and 13 adolescent individuals who had undergone conservative treatment for condylar fractures 4.2 and 4.5 years earlier, respectively computed tomography was performed. In addition, joint mobility was examined clinically in 18 of these patients. The results of the radiological examination allow discrimination between high-grade and low-grade remodeling and excessive bone formation. With one exception, high-grade remodeling was invariably observed after childhood fractures. In the adult patients new bone formation was rarely observed. Correlation between the morphologic appearance and joint mobility was detectable only in cases of severely limited function. In the presence of less severe functional lesions, the size of the insertion area of the lateral pterygoid muscle might indicate the degree of functional rehabilitation. The radiological procedure is discussed.