Abstract: 33 Condylar Fractures in 28 Children: Demographics, Treatment, Outcomes, and Long-Term Growth

RESULTS: There were 28 patients (18 male, 10 female). Average age at injury was 7.53y (age group 0-6y, n=13; 7-12y, n=13; 13-18y, n=2). Average follow-up was >5years. Thirteen were bicyclerelated, 7 were high-speed injuries (ATV, MVC), and 8 were falls. Fractures involved the head of the condyle (47%), neck (41%), or both (13%). Eighteen patients received conservative management (rest, physical therapy; 6 underwent external stabilization, i.e. jaw bra); ten underwent closed reduction (with elastics or MMF). Nineteen patients had a complication related to the fracture; this mostly involved slight deviations of dental midline or chin point and occasional asymptomatic clicking with mouth opening. One patient, who had the most severe fracture, had malpositioned hardware.