Hyperostosis as a late sequel of parasymphyseal mandibular fractures in 2 children.

BACKGROUND

The potential problem of growth anomalies affecting a mandible following a fracture of a mandibular condyle in childhood is well established. However, there have been no previous reports of this phenomenon affecting other fracture sites in the mandible.

PATIENTS: Two patients who had parasymphyseal fractures treated in childhood presented at skeletal maturity with hyperostosis at the fracture site, producing chin asymmetry in their teens.

RESULTS

In both cases the hyperostosis produced significant chin asymmetry without disturbance of the occlusion. Both patients were managed with corrective genioplasty.

CONCLUSION

These cases reinforce the previous recommendations regarding the need for long-term follow-up of children who sustain facial fractures of the mandible, and that the protocol should be expanded to include parasymphyseal fractures as well as fractures of the condyle.