Conservative treatment of unilateral displaced condylar fractures in children with mixed dentition.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to present the outcomes of the conservative treatment of unilateral displaced condylar fractures in a series of children with mixed dentition.

METHODS

The treatment protocol of our study population included the placement of fixed orthodontic appliances, the preparation of a maxillary acrylic splint, and functional exercises. Six and 12 months after trauma, patients underwent clinical temporomandibular joint dysfunction and mandibular motion assessments and a panoramic radiography.

RESULTS

Fourteen children with a mean age of 7.2 years were included in the study. At 1 year follow-up, complete clinical and functional recovery was observed in all patients. A complete healing process leading to a normal condylar process was observed in almost all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative treatment of displaced condylar fractures in children, using a progressively remodeled splint, showed satisfactory functional outcomes at 12 months of follow-up.