title: Pediatric mandibular hypomobility: current management and controversies.
abstract: Limited range of motion of the pediatric mandible (eg, mandibular hypomobility) presents many challenges. Untreated or recurrent hypomobility can cause problems with mastication, oral hygiene, speech, growth, and the airway. Treatments for ankylosis or adhesions include coronoidectomy, gap arthroplasty, costochondral rib reconstruction, prosthetic joint replacement, and transport distraction osteogenesis. There are many different causes of mandibular hypomobility in young patients, including idiopathic (congenital), posttraumatic, infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, and iatrogenic. A detailed evaluation and diagnosis of the limited range of motion are critical to developing an appropriate treatment strategy. This article outlines evaluation, differential diagnosis, and the current operative approaches for treating hypomobility in young patients. Controversies related to timing of various procedures and the uses of various treatment options are discussed.
authors: Division of Craniofacial and Cleft Surgery, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1112, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Division of Pediatric Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3471 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1112, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors: Bernard J
authors: BJ
authors: Costello
authors: Sean P
authors: SP
authors: Edwards