Mandibular fractures in children--a study of clinical aspects, treatment needs, and complications.

Thirty-seven children younger than 11-years-old with mandibular fractures were studied regarding age, sex, type of fracture, incidence, etiology, methods of treatment, and complications. This injury was found to represent 4.5% of all facial injuries. The male-to-female ratio was 2.4:1.0. Unilateral fractures were more common than bilateral. The condyle was involved in 36.7% of cases, and 9.2% of the fractures were subcondylar. Maxillomandibular fixation for 2 weeks was the method of treatment used in 35.1% of patients. Another 32.4% who had a combination of body and condyle fractures were treated with a prefabricated acrylic splint fixed only on the lower arch so that the mandible was free to move. Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint was seen in only one patient. Other complications that were also rare include the following: infection was observed in two cases; malunion and nonunion were not seen. One child had retarded facial growth due to damage of the condylar growth center. Functional mobility and maximal mouth opening was not reduced significantly.