Subscribe to RSS
![](/products/assets/desktop/img/oa-logo.png)
DOI: 10.4103/ijps.IJPS_125_16
Assessment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in condylar fracture of the mandible using the Helkimo index
Publication History
Publication Date:
09 July 2019 (online)
![](https://www.thieme-connect.de/media/10.1055-s-00042863/201702/lookinside/thumbnails/10-4103-ijps-ijps_125_16_00207-1.jpg)
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Condylar fractures of the mandible are functionally important fractures as the condyle of the mandible being a part of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and can lead to TMJ dysfunction if not properly treated. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of a total of 33 treated patients with fracture of the mandibular condyle who underwent examination as per the Helkimo index. Their dysfunction was quantified and clinicoepidemiological characteristics were assessed. It was found that majority of our patients were young males involved in a two-wheeler accident. All patients underwent intermaxillary fixation as the minimum treatment and 30% underwent open reduction and internal fixation in addition. Results: There was no statistically significant association between the degree of clinical dysfunction and factors such as age, mechanism of injury, type of condyle fracture, presence of other mandible fractures, and surgical procedure. However, dislocation of the mandibular condyle was found to be a negative prognostic factor and all these patients had some degree of dysfunction. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of TMJ dysfunction according to the Helkimo index was 90%. About 61% of patients had mild dysfunction (Di1) and 30% had moderate dysfunction (Di2). None of the patients had severe dysfunction. To conclude, the Helkimo index is a simple, effective, inexpensive, reliable screening index to assess TMJ dysfunction in condylar fractures of mandible.
-
REFERENCES
- 1 Iida S, Kogo M, Sugiura T, Mima T, Matsuya T. Retrospective analysis of 1502 patients with facial fractures. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2001; 30: 286-90
- 2 Thilander B, Rubio G, Pena L, de Mayorga C. Prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction and its association with malocclusion in children and adolescents: An epidemiologic study related to specified stages of dental development. Angle Orthod 2002; 72: 146-54
- 3 van der Weele LT, Dibbets JM. Helkimo's index: A scale or just a set of symptoms?. J Oral Rehabil 1987; 14: 229-37
- 4 Zachariades N, Mezitis M, Mourouzis C, Papadakis D, Spanou A. Fractures of the mandibular condyle: A review of 466 cases. Literature review, reflections on treatment and proposals. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2006; 34: 421-32
- 5 Köhler AA, Helkimo AN, Magnusson T, Hugoson A. Prevalence of symptoms and signs indicative of temporomandibular disorders in children and adolescents. A cross-sectional epidemiological investigation covering two decades. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2009; 10 (Suppl. 01) 16-25
- 6 Leuin SC, Frydendall E, Gao D, Chan KH. Temporomandibular joint dysfunction after mandibular fracture in children: A 10-year review. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2011; 137: 10-4
- 7 Härtel J, Hellmuth M, Hellmuth KO. The Helkimo index for assessing treatment results after mandibular fractures. Dtsch Z Mund Kiefer Gesichtschir 1991; 15: 292-6
- 8 Borgiel-Marek H, Drugacz J, Marek B, Jedrusik-Pawlowska M, Glogowska-Szelag J, Witalinska-Labuzek J. Long-term outcome in the treatment of mandibular condylar fractures. Ortop Traumatol Rehabil 2005; 7: 425-32
- 9 Zhou HH, Liu Q, Cheng G, Li ZB. Aetiology, pattern and treatment of mandibular condylar fractures in 549 patients: A 22-year retrospective study. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2013; 41: 34-41
- 10 Kyzas PA, Saeed A, Tabbenor O. The treatment of mandibular condyle fractures: A meta-analysis. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2012; 40: e438-52