Evaluation of condyle fracture with PA X-rays by computer measurements

Abstract

The degrees of dislocation after treatment and reduction of the condylar fractures is empirically evaluated with standard X-rays of the lower jaw. The aim of this paper is to investigate the possibilities a more precise evaluation of the degree of dislocation and reduction of the shorter fragment with PA X-rays of the lower jaw. Forty X-rays of 20 patients with unilateral condylar fracture were used. X-rays were put into the memory of a compatible IBM PC with a graphic table. On the graphical presentation of these X-rays the following parameters were determinated: axis of the individual symmetry and condyle axis; angles between the condyle axis and the horizontal line were measured: D--in dislocated condyle, IR--in "ideally" reduced condyle and SR--actually reduced condyle. The angles between the axis of the undamaged condyles and the horizontal line were measured on the X-rays before and after the completion of the treatment. The difference between them was presented am an X-ray error. The obtained results are encouraging.