Role of retention of the condylar cartilage in open treatment of intracapsular condylar fractures in growing goats: three-dimensional computed tomographic analysis

Our aim was to investigate the role of retention of the condylar cartilage in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of intracapsular condylar fractures (ICFs) in growing goats by three-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) analysis. Twelve goats 6 months old were randomly divided into three groups. ICFs were created bilaterally in mandibular condyles and treated with ORIF. On the one side (n = 4) the condylar cartilage was removed, and on the other side (n = 4) it was retained. Condyles in the control group (n = 4) were untouched. CT scans were taken immediately postoperatively, and 3 and 6 months later. The heights of the rami among the three groups were compared, There were significant reductions in the height of rami in the group from which the cartilage had been removed 3 and 6 months postoperatively compared with controls, but no significant differences between control group and the group in which it had been retained. We conclude that retaining condylar cartilage in the ORIF for ICF of growing goats has no harmful effect on condylar growth, but removal can limit growth.