ASSESSMENT OF TMJ DYSFUNCTION IN CONDYLAR FRACTURE OF THE MANDIBLE USING THE HELKIMO INDEX: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Aim: To assess the results of management of patients treated for condylar fracture of the mandible using the Helkimo index.

Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery at Government Medical College and Hospital, Bettiah, Bihar, India from may 2017 to Jan 2018.A total of 50 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.

Results: A total of 50 condylar fracture treated patients were included in the study. Nearly 70 % were in the age group of 20–30 years and 30–50 years accounted for another 30% of the patients. Nearly 76% had high condylar and 24% had low condylar fractures. Around 80% had unilateral condylar fractures. Condylar dislocation was observed in 20% of patients. All patients underwent IMF as the minimum treatment and 30% underwent ORIF in addition. In the Helkimo clinical dysfunction index, there was no dysfunction in 12%, mild dysfunction in 64% and moderate dysfunction in 24% of cases.

Conclusion: The Helkimo Index is a simple, effective, inexpensive, reliable screening index to assess TMJ dysfunction in condylar fractures of mandible.

Keywords: Helkimo Index, Condylar Fractures, Mandible, IMF