Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Postsurgical Evaluation of Patients With Mandibular Condyle Fractures Treated Using the Transparotid Approach: Our Experience
Purpose
To evaluate the morphostructural and functional modifications of the temporomandibular joint and the onset of parotid complications in patients with extracapsular monocondylar fractures treated by reduction with the application of a titanium microplate via a transparotid approach.
Materials and Methods
The study was comprised of 20 patients (16 male patients and 4 female patients) with a mean age of 25 years (range, 15-44 years) who had undergone reduction of condyle fractures. Twelve months after surgery, all patients were examined by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint and parotid gland on the treated side. MRI examination was performed by use of coronal T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequences, as well as parasagittal T1-weighted turbo spin echo and T2-weighted fast field echo sequences. Images were acquired from the resting position to the position of maximum oral opening.
Results
The 1-year clinical outcome in our patients was good. MRI showed, on the treated side, 5 cases of anterior dislocation of the disc (25%), 1 case of disc degeneration (5%), and 1 case of parotid fistula (5%).
Conclusion
Both trauma and surgical intervention can damage the meniscal capsuloligamentous complex. MRI allowed the complications due to the trauma and/or treatment to be identified and made it possible to compare the condyles and joint function.
⁎Medical Doctor, Department of Radiology, “Maggiore della Caritã” Hospital, Novara, Italy
†Medical Doctor, Department of Radiology, “Maggiore della Caritã” Hospital, Novara, Italy
‡Medical Doctor, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, “Maggiore della Caritã” Hospital, Novara, Italy
§Medical Doctor, Department of Radiology, “Maggiore della Caritã” Hospital, Novara, Italy
∥Medical Doctor, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, “Maggiore della Caritã” Hospital, Novara, Italy
¶Medical Doctor, Department of Radiology, “Maggiore della Caritã” Hospital, Novara, Italy
⁎⁎Professor and Chair, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, “Amedeo Avogadro” Eastern Piemonte University, “Maggiore della Caritã” Hospital, Novara, Italy
††Associate Professor, Department of Radiology, “Amedeo Avogadro” Eastern Piemonte University, “Maggiore della Caritã” Hospital, Novara, Italy
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Saponaro: Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Radiologic Institute, Mazzini Avenue, 18, Novara, Italy
ABSTRACT