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[Mandibular condyle fractures in childhood: effects on growth and function]
J Wiltfang1, F Halling, H A Merten
1Abteilung Kieferchirurgie im Klinikum der Georg-August-Universität zu Göttingen.
Deutsche Zahnarztliche Zeitschrift
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Childhood condylar and mandibular fractures rarely cause severe growth abnormalities. While some patients experience growth retardation, younger children have a better prognosis for complete healing and functional recovery.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Craniofacial Surgery
Context:
- Childhood facial trauma, specifically condylar and mandibular fractures, requires long-term evaluation for growth disturbances.
- Previous studies have indicated potential for mandibular growth abnormalities following pediatric fractures.
Purpose:
- To assess long-term mandibular growth abnormalities in children with condylar fractures and combined condylar and body fractures.
- To compare the efficacy of different evaluation methods for detecting growth disorders.
Summary:
- Long-term follow-up of 29 patients with childhood condylar fractures and 13 with combined condylar and body fractures revealed moderate to severe growth abnormalities in only 12%.
- Growth retardation occurred on the fracture side in two-thirds of affected patients, while one-third showed accelerated growth on the fracture side.
- Cephalometric measurements were most effective for evaluating growth disorders, outperforming clinical examination and photographs.
Impact:
- Mandibular fractures in children have a low incidence of significant long-term growth abnormalities.
- Early treatment and intervention in younger children enhance the likelihood of complete anatomical remodeling and functional recovery.
- Cephalometric analysis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of growth disturbances post-pediatric mandibular fractures.