Malik Ali Hassan Sajid, Uzair Bin Akhtar, Shoaib Younus, Usman-ul Haq, Asad Aziz Chatha, Riaz Ahmed Warraich.
Outcome of Non-Operative/Closed Management of Mandibular Condylar Fractures in Children.
J Sharif Med Dent Coll Jan ;5(1):16-9.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of non-surgical treatment of mandibular condylar fractures in growing children using maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) via arch bars, metal wires, elastics and gunning splint (where dentition did not provide support for MMF). Methodology: This prospective study consisted of 67 children of condylar fractures collected at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Departments of King Edward Medical University (KEMU)/Mayo Hospital, Lahore and Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. Maxillomandibular fixation (MMF) with wires was used if there were severe occlusal disturbances. Mild occlusal disturbances were treated with elastic MMF. Mean follow-up period was 4.5 years (follow-ups every 3, 6, 12 & 24 months) and following variables were recorded, i.e. occlusion, mouth opening, degree of lower jaw deviation on rest/mouth opening, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis etc. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 24. Results: Fifty one (76.1%) patients showed normal occlusion with normal symmetrical mouth opening. Nine patients (13.5%) had normal occlusion with asymmetrical mouth opening on the affected side. Overall seven (10.4%) patients were diagnosed with TMJ ankylosis during the close follow-up period. Conclusion: Non-operative/closed approach along with regular follow-up in children is a suitable, safe, reliable and non-traumatic treatment modality for growing children having mandibular condylar fractures. Keywords: Condylar fractures. Maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). Limited mouth opening. Temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

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