Etiology of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis Secondary to Condylar Fractures: The Role of Concomitant Mandibular Fractures

The results of this study indicate that the combination of an intracapsular fracture with concomitant widening of the mandible leads to the lateral pole of the condyle or the condylar stump to become displaced laterally or superolaterally in relation to the zygomatic arch, where it fuses. Proper treatment of the anterior mandibular fracture(s) may help prevent the development of TMJ ankylosis in such patients.