Management of multiple and displaced mandibular fractures in a pediatric patient sans mandibular immobilization, sans open reduction and internal fixation

Abstract

Maxillofacial fractures in the pediatric population are generally managed by conservative approaches such as soft diet and medication or semi-invasive procedures namely inter-maxillary fixation or circum-mandibular wiring. These approaches are preferred over any invasive treatment to minimize injury to the growing skeleton and tooth germs. Displaced fractures that cause functional problems such as restricted mouth opening, malocclusion or impaired breathing, mandate open reduction and internal fixation. However, surgical management is associated with morbidity related to general anesthesia, risk of injury to vital structures, and potential, skeletal or dental growth disturbances. This case report describes a non-invasive method of managing displaced, multiple fractures of the mandible in a pediatric patient, with the use of low intensity pulsed ultrasound to achieve favorable clinical outcomes and nil complications. Neither immobilization of the mandible with inter-maxillary fixation nor open reduction and internal fixation was used. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy is painless and patient-friendly.