Abstract
It is sometimes difficult to assess the facial deformity associated with multiple mandibular fractures, especially in swollen cases shortly after injuries. Widening of the intergonial distance is often caused by parasymphyseal and bilateral condylar fractures of the mandible.
In our recent experience, 9 out of 10 cases with the above type fractures showed some degree of widening deformity on the lower face. These deformities sometimes remained and were complained of by patients after treatment.
After healing of the fracture, excavating or ostectomy on the bilateral gonial region via intraoral route had little value in correction of this deformity in 2 cases.
In other 2 cases good results were acquired by extraoral narrowing compression with a simple treatment device before operation or by the action of manual pressure at the time of operation. The P-A cephalogram was useful to evaluate deformity correction and showed about 10mm narrowing without deterioration of occlusion in the case treated with the device.
In addition, the authors discussed mechanism factors and practical treatment of this deformity.
