Pediatric condylar fractures: a long-term follow-up study of 55 patients

Fifty-five patients between 5 and 20 years old who were previously treated conservatively for a fracture of the mandibular condyle were recalled for follow-up examination with a mean postoperative observation time of 10.1 years. Anamnestic information was obtained from a questionnaire, and clinical and radiologic examinations were performed. Anamnestic and clinical dysfunction indices were obtained. When the patients were divided into four different age groups it was found that the dysfunction index values increased significantly with increasing age at the time of trauma. Radiologic abnormalities such as reduced ramus height, deviation of the mandibular midline, and irregular shape of the condyle were seen frequently, but could not be correlated with the severity of dysfunction. No cases of ankylosis or serious asymmetry were found. The results support the opinion that conservative treatment is sufficient in pediatric patients, but in older age groups the results of conservative treatment are less satisfactory.