title: Open reduction and internal fixation of dislocated condylar fractures in children: long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of treating dislocated condylar fractures sustained in childhood with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Six children 14 years or younger with a condylar neck or subcondylar fracture with dislocation of the condyle from the glenoid fossa were treated with ORIF. Patients were followed for 27 to 92 months post-ORIF (mean: 67.6 months) with routine clinical and radiologic examinations. On the dislocated side, all patients radiographically showed signs of remodeling of the condylar process and shortening of the ramus. Subsequent to their fractures, 3 patients were classified with Angle class II malocclusion, retrognathism, and deviation of the mandibular symphysis. Four patients had objective and/or subjective signs of temporomandibular (TMJ) dysfunction. Until open surgery demonstrates a consistent functional advantage, nonsurgical management should be considered the first treatment option for the dislocated pediatric condylar fracture.
authors.affiliation: Cleft and Craniofacial Center, Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. deleyiannisfw@msx.upmc.edu
authors.forename: Frederic W-B
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Deleyiannis
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vecchione
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Shao
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sotereanos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology