Effect of conservative treatment on jaw symmetry of children with unilateral condylar fracture

Abstract

PURPOSE To investigate the effect of conservative treatment of unilateral condylar fractures on jaw symmetry in children. METHODS Twenty-four children with unilateral condylar fractures were divided into control group and experimental group according to the treatment methods, with 12 cases in each group. The control group received surgery, and the experimental group received conservative treatment with intermaxillary traction combined with occlusal pads. The treatment effects of the two groups were compared, and the imaging improvement, three-dimensional structure of the jaw, mandibular motor and occlusal relationship, and facial nerve injury were compared after treatment. SPSS 17.0 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS There was no significant difference in the total effective rate, total effective rate of imaging, disturbance of occlusal relationship, and incidence of facial nerve injury between the two groups (P>0.05). The transverse diameter of the condyles was significantly longer in the experimental group than in the control group, and the width of the condyles and bony condylar deflection in the experimental group were significantly smaller than those in the control group (P<0.05). The degree of mouth opening after treatment in both groups was increased, which was more remarkably in the experimental group after treatment than in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Children with unilateral condylar fractures can obtain similar treatment effects with surgical treatment with conservative treatment. After treatment, the children's mandibular motor function and jaw symmetry are well restored.