Do Non-Condylar Mandibular Fractures Affect the Temporomandibular Joint? A Prospective Clinical and Radiologic Follow-Up Study

Purpose Trauma occurring to the TMJ can be classified as macro trauma and micro-trauma. In these, mandibular fracture is the primary type of TMJ macro trauma. The study aimed to evaluate the changes in TMJ anatomy following surgical management of non-condylar mandibular fractures. Methods This was a prospective study carried out in 40 patients who underwent surgery for a non-condylar mandibular fracture. Early post-op and late post-op (6months) function of the masticatory system was assessed clinically using the Helkimo index (subjective symptomatic anamnestic index (Ai), and the objective clinical dysfunction index (Di)) & radiographically by Computed Tomography (CT) & Ultrasonography (USG). The Ai was recorded on day15-16 and Ai and Di after 6 months. Data was analysed descriptively and with paired t-tests. Results Twelve patients (30%) developed subjective symptoms (Ai) and 32 patients (80%) developed objective signs (Di); however, 70% of these patients were free of subjective symptoms during the 6-month follow-up period. Conclusion TMDs were common in individuals with non-condylar mandibular fractures at 6months after surgery; they should be evaluated for dysfunction in the follow-up period. Patients with objective findings without subjective symptoms should be in long-term follow-up and may require treatment if symptoms progress in the future.