Bone resorption post open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condylar head fractures: An original research

Abstract

Introduction: The various changes after ORIF and the internal fixation of condylar head fractures are available for a less follow up period only. Hence in this study we evaluated bone resorption after open reduction and internal fixation of condylar head fractures of the mandible. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of condylar head fractures was conducted. The bone resorption on the condylar head was measured after removal of osteosynthesis material by segmenting and superimposing of the postoperative 3D radiologic follow-up exam (T2) over the initial intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography (T1). Results: We observed that in the total of 150 patients, the mean follow-up time was 25.6 months. The mean bone resorption on the condylar head is -5.16% of segmented condylar head. There was no correlation of clinical outcome and bone resorption. Conclusions: The mean bone resorption rate of -5.16% in the intermediate-term follow-up time is comparable to findings of other studies with short-term follow-up time. The bone resorption is seen in the first few months postoperative and is lower in the next moths.