Load distribution after unilateral condylar fracture with shortening of the ramus: a finite element model study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

After a fracture of the condyle, the fractured ramus is often shortened, which causes premature dental contact on the fractured side and a contralateral open bite. The imbalance could change the load in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). This change could lead to remodelling of the TMJs to compensate for the imbalance in the masticatory system. The load in the non-fractured condyle is expected to increase, and the load in the fractured condyle to decrease.

Materials and methods

These changes cannot be measured in a clinical situation. Therefore a finite element model (FEM) of the masticatory system was used. In the FEM a fractured right condyle with shortening of the ramus was induced, which varied from 2 to 16 mm.

Results

Results show that, with a larger

SUBMITTER: Helmer LML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10329303 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature