[Mandibular condyle fractures in childhood--the clinico-roentgenological follow-up].

Abstract

In a clinical and roentgenographical follow-up study in 35 children, who had suffered a fracture of the condylar process of the lower jaw, the following observations were made on the average 61 months after conservative treatment: The clinical outcome ranged from "satisfactory function" to "restitutio ad integrum". Best results were achieved after unilateral displaced fractures, while only few children showed a "restitutio ad integrum" after bilateral fractures or/and after fracture dislocations. In children, who were less than 8 years old, the results were much better than in older ones. Roentgenographically the morphological regeneration after fracture dislocations was frequently incomplete--in the contrary to fractures with displacement.