Conservative treatment of isolated condylar fractures in growing patients

Traumas to the mandible in children, due to falls or traffic accidents, can involve fractures in the condylar area. Without timely and proper diagnosis, such fractures may give rise to serious problems, such as growth disturbances of the face and disorders of the temporomandibular joint. Orthodontists are often involved in the diagnosis of condylar fractures but, more importantly, they should be involved in the successful conservative management of the fracture. The aim of this article is to present 5 cases of isolated condylar fractures in children (2 boys, 3 girls; age range 4.5 to 10 years) who were diagnosed and treated solely by a conservative orthopedic approach, involving the use of a functional appliance (activator). After a follow-up period of 1 year, clinical and radiologic examination indicated, due to the growth potential of the condyles during childhood, successful healing and remodeling had occurred in all 5 cases and no discomfort or complications were reported. A conservative treatment approach for an isolated condylar fracture, using a functional appliance during the growth period, can lead to complete restoration of the fractured area and re-establishment of physiologic function of the stomatognathic system with no signs of disturbance in dentofacial development.