Severe osteoarthrosis after fracture of the mandibular condyle: a clinical and histologic study of seven patients.

The factors that induce complications subsequent to fractures of the mandibular condyle have long been controversial. A clinical and histologic study of seven patients (nine temporomandibular joints [TMJs]) who suffered from severe TMJ problems subsequent to condylar fractures showed that the complications were related to comminution of the condyle, sagittal fracture of the condyle, and subcondylar fracture dislocation. Alterations in these TMJs all involved secondary osteoarthrosis. Additionally, aseptic necrosis, bifid deformity of the condyle (two of the three sagittally fractured condyles), and TMJ ankylosis occurred in these patients. It is suggested that the involved fracture patterns be given more attention by clinicians.