An 8-year-old male patient presented after suffering blunt trauma to the left side of the face during a football game. On initial evaluation, the patient denied malocclusion or chin deviation. Computed tomography (CT) identified a displaced intracapsular left-sided mandibular condylar fracture (Fig 1), and conservative treatment was attempted. After 1 week, the patient developed malocclusion and chin deviation (5 mm) (Fig 2) and subsequently was started on a 3-phase protocol utilizing elastic therapy. Phase I used 6-oz 3/4-inch "fixating elastics" (class II ipsilateral to injury, class I contralaterally) (figure-of-eight configuration) (Fig 3). In phase II, 6-oz 1/4-inch "guiding elastics" were placed (class II ipsilaterally, class I contralaterally) (non-figure-of-eight configuration). In phase III, 6-oz 1/4-inch "supportive elastics" were placed (class I bilaterally) (non-figure-of-eight configuration). Each phase lasted 2 weeks, with advancement criteria including centric occlusion without chin deviation. Diet was advanced with phase of therapy from liquid to blenderized to soft. At conclusion of therapy, centric occlusion with congruency of dental and facial midlines (0-mm deviation) was achieved (Fig 4).
What is the etiology of pediatric mandibular fractures?
How are pediatric patients affected by condylar fractures?
What are the different methods of treatment of pediatric condylar fractures?
What are the benefits of closed reduction with dynamic elastic therapy?