The objective of this study was to evaluate the prognosis of the fractured mandibular condyles which were repositioned after internal fixation by extracorporeal open reduction. The subjects were 19 patients who underwent open reduction & internal fixation for the fractured mandibular condyles and followed-up for 10 years since 2000 at the Ewha Womans University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. Radiologic changes in the remodeling phases, range of mouth opening, lateral excursion of the jaw, TMJ pain, facial disfigurement with occlusal changes were examined by radiologic images, virtual measurement, and kinesiographs.

Their ages were 32.0 ± 21.6 years old. All patients could open their mouth to over 35 mm postoperatively and up to 45 mm in 7 patients (37%). Lateral excursions were limited to 5–10 mm. The condyle heads disclosed resorption and remodeling within 6 months resulting shortening of the length, but no findings of necrotic resorption in the repositioned ramus and condyles. Pain & tenderness of TMJ were followed in one patients who had bilateral comminuted fractures and previous ORIF. There were no difference between closed reduction and extracorporeal reduction in mouth opening & jaw excursions compared to the control group (closed reduction).

Conflict of interest: None declared.