Outcomes of anterior disc displacement and condylar remodelling for sagittal fracture of the mandibular condyle in children after closed treatment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) anterior disc displacement and condylar remodelling for sagittal fracture of the mandibular condyle (SFMC) in children. Disc displacement was observed in 20 patients with 24 SFMCs (age 4–12 years) via magnetic resonance imaging. After 6 months of closed treatment (T1), the joints were categorized based on the displaced disc status as complete reduction (DCR) or incomplete reduction (DICR). Moreover, condylar remodelling was compared between the groups using cone beam computed tomography images of the TMJ obtained at T1 and at the 1-year follow-up (T2; 15 patients with 18 displaced SFMCs). At T1, 17 of 24 joints with SFMC were assigned to the DCR group and six to the DICR group; one unilateral SFMC case developed ankylosis. Condylar depth and height differed significantly between the groups at T1, but not at T2. Intra-group comparison exhibited significant changes in the condylar depth and height over time in the DICR group. Thus, most of the anteriorly displaced discs (17/24, 70.8%) achieved reduction following closed treatment. Although sustained anterior disc displacement was associated with an increased depth and reduced height of the condyle, no clinical impairment was noted unless ankylosis developed.