The role of the disc in the healing of displaced subcondylar fracture in the growing period: an experimental study in rats

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the disc in the healing of condylar fractures in the growing period. 40 growing and adult male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 equal groups: growing rats suffering condylar fracture with disc damage; growing rats suffering condylar fracture without disc damage; adult rats suffering condylar fracture with disc damage; adult rats suffering condylar fracture without disc damage. 3 months after the operation all animals were killed and the outcomes were compared using mandible deviation measure, body weight evaluation and histological observation. In growing rats, when the disc was undamaged maintaining its relation to the condyle head, even though the condylar fractured fragment was displaced, the condyle healed and recovered almost to normality in 3 months. In the same condyle fracture form, once the disc was damaged and lost the normal relation with the condyle head, the outcome was unfavourable. The occurrence of damage to the disc and its attachment to the condyle head are important factors in the healing of condyle fractures in the growing period.