Condylar position changes and prognosis in patients with unilateral mandibular condylar fracture treated non-surgically

Background Non-surgical method is a treatment option for mandibular condylar fracture; however, it is questionable whether bone fragments are adequately reduced and remodeled. The purpose of this study was to identify three-dimensional positional changes in the mandibular condyles in patients treated non-surgically, analyze factors influencing the extent of positional changes, and evaluate clinical prognosis. Methods This retrospective study included 31 patients with unilateral mandibular condylar fractures treated non-surgically at the Ajou University Dental Hospital between 2005 and 2023. Computed tomography was performed at the time of the fracture ( T 0 ) and > 6 months after non-surgical treatment ( T 1 ). The extent of recovery of the highest point of the condyle head was measured in three-dimensional x -, y -, and z -axes. At the last follow-up > 6 months after remodeling ( T 1 ), the prognosis was evaluated by clinical examination of mouth opening limitation, malocclusion, deviation on opening, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and facial asymmetry. Results Position differences were statistically significant between T 0 and T 1 (paired Student’s t -test, P