Condylar fractures of the mandible. I. Classification and relation to age, occlusion, and concomitant injuries of teeth and teeth-supporting structures, and fractures of the mandibular body.

In 123 individuals, 138 fractures of the mandibular condyle were classified with respect to fracture level, dislocation at the fracture level, and condylar head relation to the articular fossa. The age of the patient and the location of the most distal occlusal contact were recorded as well as teeth injuries and concomitant fractures of the mandibular body. The position of the most distal occlusal contact did not influence the dislocation of the condylar fragment. Teeth injuries such as fractures and luxation were found to be associated with condylar head or neck fractures, whereas the concomitant fractures of the mandibular body were mostly seen with the subcondylar fractures. Teeth injuries as well as concomitant fractures of the mandibular body were found more frequently in patients with bilateral than unilateral condylar fractures. Fractures of teeth in the molar and bicuspid regions were most frequent on the condylar fracture side, while the concomitant fractures of the mandibular body were located to the contralateral side. Medial angulation of the condylar fragment with lateral override at the fracture level was the typical fracture in adults, and angulation without override the characteristic fracture in growing individuals. Medical override occurred both in children and in adults and seemed to be the result of more severe trauma to the chin.