Sequelae of unrecognized, untreated mandibular condylar fractures in the pediatric patient

The mandibular condyle is a commonly involved site of maxillofacial trauma in children. However, this injury is often overlooked on initial physical examination in the emergency department. In cases involving blunt trauma to the chin it is important to suspect possible injury to the condyle of the mandible, as this type of facial injury can result in a spectrum of facial growth disturbances during the patient's later years. General practitioners and pediatric dentists are often the first clinicians to recognize the late complications of condylar trauma years after the injury. With a good clinical examination and past medical history, the diagnosis and etiology can be accurately determined. Once the diagnosis is made, the patient can be referred to a specialist involved in managing this type of problem. Three case reports of patients with facial deformity are presented.