Assessment of temporomandibular joint following maxillomandibular fixation in mandibular fracture patients: A case series

Background and Objectives: Mandibular fractures are one of the most commonly encountered injuries in trauma clinics. The basic principles of the treatment of mandibular fractures include closed treatment and maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). This study assessed the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functions in patients treated with MMF. 
Methods: This prospective case series included eight patients with a clinically and radiologically confirmed diagnosis of mandibular fracture who were treated with MMF in 2019. The range of mandibular motions, pain intensity, and body weight were followed up. Psychological distress and patients' ability to return to work were assessed with self-report questionnaires at the end of the 12^th week. 
Results: The study included eight patients (six men and two women; mean age: 30.25 ± 4.80 years; range: 22–36 years) who sustained 10 fractures. Eight volunteers were the individuals of the control group (two men and six women, mean age of 26.00 ± 6.97). There was a significant decrease in the range of mandibular motion after the treatment. The patients had significantly lower maximum mouth opening and lateral and protrusive excursions than healthy controls at postoperative 12 weeks. They had a mean change of −7.34% of their initial body weight. Pain intensity was mild to moderate. Of the patients, 37.5% started a different job and 12.5% reported failure to work. The health questionnaire indicated mild depressive symptoms. 
Conclusions: MMF causes significant morbidity and leads to functional decline, pain in TMJ, weight loss, cooperation problems in the work life, and depression.