An epidemiological study of patterns of condylar fractures in children.

OBJECTIVE

To find out how the site and type of condylar fracture are affected by its aetiology and the age and sex of the patient.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral centre, Finland.

MATERIAL: Radiographs of 101 children (aged 15 years or less) with 119 condylar fractures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Site of fracture and degree of displacement.

RESULTS

A total of 26 of the 119 fractures were intracapsular (22%) and 93 (78%) extracapsular. Only among patients less than 6 years of age was there a preponderance of intracapsular fractures (7/12 fractures in 10 patients, 58%). In the older children 78% (83/107) were in the condylar neck. There were few subcondylar fractures (5/119, 4%). Only 6 fractures were displaced (5%). Dislocation of the condyle from the glenoid fossa was common in all age groups.

CONCLUSION

The site of condylar fracture is age related, but not associated with sex or aetiology.