**6. Radiographic assessment**

Routine radiological investigations that aids in the diagnosis of condylar fracture are:

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**Figure 8.**

**Figure 7.**

*Posterior anterior skull view.*

*Orthopantomogram.*

*Diagnosis and Management of Mandibular Condyle Fractures*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93795*


*Diagnosis and Management of Mandibular Condyle Fractures DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93795*

**Figure 7.** *Posterior anterior skull view.*

*Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery*

b.Bilateral condylar fracture:

**Figure 6.** *Anterior open bite.*

**5.2 On palpation**

derangement of occlusion

condyles are determined.

**6. Radiographic assessment**

• Oblique-lateral X-ray

• Tenderness over the condylar area

• Overall mandibular movements are usually more restricted

careful examination is mandatory (Contre-coupe fracture)

• If the condyle is displaced bilaterally, shortening of ramus occurs resulting in

• Overriding of the fractured segments result in anterior open bite (**Figure 6**)

• Associated fracture of symphysis or para-symphysis can also be present; thus

• The condyles are palpated by standing in front of the patient. The little fingers are placed inside the external auditory canal and the patient is asked to open and close their mouth, by this method the position and movement of the

• Displacement of the condylar head within the external auditory meatus.

• Paresthesia of the lips may be present as the hemorrhage from the condylar region tracks across the base of skull and exerts pressure on the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve as it emerges from the foramen ovale.

Routine radiological investigations that aids in the diagnosis of condylar fracture

• Posteroanterior skull projection or Reverse Towne's (**Figure 7**)

• Orthopantomographic radiograph (**Figure 8**)

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are:

**Figure 8.** *Orthopantomogram.*

**Figure 9.** *Computed tomography.*


CT in all three planes, i.e., coronal, axial, and sagittal remains a gold standard for the diagnosis of mandibular condyle fractures. 3D CT provides better orientation of the fractured fragments in relation to the normal anatomic structures (**Figure 9**) [10].

Determining the degree of dislocation, relationship between the fractured fragments and the direction of dislocation remains a challenge in the diagnosis of mandibular condyle fractures. It may be difficult to ascertain position and rotation of the articular head of the condyle with the use of conventional imaging techniques. MRI may provide a better outlook in assessing both the hard tissue and soft tissue part of the condylar head. One must remember that re-establishing only the bony component of the joint is not sufficient and the soft tissue anatomy (Articular disc) must also be restored to achieve satisfactory functional outcomes [11].
