Fractures of the Articular Process of the Mandible in Adults

Overview

The presented paper deals with the problem of fractures of the articular processof the mandible, the main attention being devoted to the standard and speed of remodellingprocesses of the articular ball and socket. The author emphasizes that it is an injury where themechanism is in the great majority indirect. The fracture develops as a result of the collisionof the chin with a hard surface and the evoked kinetic energy is transferred from the chin tothe articular process which becomes broken if the deformity caused by force exceeds its elasticityafter the impact of the ball on the lateral enforced margin of the socket. In many instances thistype of fracture is not foreseen and the treatment is usually confined to the injured chin.Therefore the authors wish to draw attention of all who are concerned with these injuries topay due attention to them.An undiagnosed fracture of the articular process can have veryserious sequelae for the patient as well as for the doctor who did not suspect it. The objectiveof the work is to elaborate uniformmethods of examination, optimal treatment and subsequentrehabilitation.

Key words:
fracture of the articular process of the mandible – check up examination –morphological disorders – functional changes – remodelling processes