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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term radiological results obtained
with open reduction and fixation of unilateral mandibular condyle fractures in 10
patients. CT images taken at the end of the follow-up period (average of 22 months,
range 7 to 33 months), were traced and digitized, and the position and morphology
of the fractured condylar process was statistically compared with those of the contralateral
non-fractured condylar process in the coronal, transverse and sagittal planes. Little
difference was observed in the position or morphology of the condylar process in the
operated and non-fractured joints. This study shows that it is possible to anatomically
reduce fractured condyles, and thereby to avoid postoperative disadvantageous joint
changes.