Remodelling following condylar fractures in children.

PURPOSE In this study, 18 children with 21 subcondylar fractures sustained during their growth period (age at trauma from 4-11 years, mean 7.7 years) have been followed-up. MATERIAL AND METHODS All patients were treated by custom-made arch bars and intermaxillary fixation for 12-17 days, then kept on a liquid diet for 15 days without fixation. The mean follow-up was 4.7 years. The conservative treatment has been evaluated with clinical, radiographic, and functional parameters. RESULTS Remodelling of the condylar head was good in 17, whilst moderate remodelling occurred in the other four condyles. In four patients, a slight deflection (less than 2 mm) to the side of the fracture on wide mouth opening was seen. There was no malocclusion or ankylosis. CONCLUSION Conservative treatment of condylar fractures during growth resulted in good function and good remodelling of the condyle. Functional treatment after intermaxillary fixation for 12-17 days proved to be quite acceptable.