Traitement orthopédique des fractures extra-articulaires de la région condylienne de la mandibule : étude rétrospective de 39 fractures unifocales

Outcomes of functional treatment of condylar mandibular fractures with an articular impact: a retrospective study of 108 children

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of fractures of the mandibular condylar process remains controversial, especially in children. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of functional treatments for mandibular condylar fractures with an articular impact.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Young patients (< 15 years of age) presenting with either a unilateral or a bilateral mandibular fracture of the condylar process were included in this retrospective study. The clinical analysis focused on investigation of joint amplitudes at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 months after the beginning of the treatment, and at the end of their physical growth for the long-term study. Other clinical parameters included temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and facial asymmetry. Photographs of patients and panoramic X-rays were assessed to identify any growth disorders at the end of the follow-up.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight patients were included in this study, and 33 patients who were no longer undergoing mandibular growth at the time of the last follow-up were included in the long-term study. The mean age at the time of the trauma was 9.33 years, and the mean follow-up was 82.2 months. A significant improvement was observed in the maximal mouth opening (MMO), diduction, and propulsion in the first months after the trauma, reaching 44.31 mm (p < 0.0001), 10.50 mm (p = 0.0001), and 6.33 mm (p = 0.01), respectively, at 6 months. Three patients experienced a clinical posterior vertical insufficiency, one of which required a surgical procedure, while four patients exhibited a ramus asymmetry of up to 10 mm, albeit with no clinical consequences. One case of TMJ ankylosis was noted.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that functional treatment is appropriate for fractures of the mandibular condyle with an articular impact in children, as it promotes mandibular growth and good functional recovery. Children have to be followed up, however, until completion of growth.

Retraction force necessary to expose the mandibular neck in Risdon and high cervical anteroparotid transmasseteric approaches: an anatomic comparative study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this anatomic study was to compare the retraction force necessary to expose the mandibular neck in the Risdon and the high cervical anteroparotid transmasseteric (HAT) approaches.

METHODS

An anatomic study was performed on 18 formalin-embalmed cadavers. We performed a Risdon approach on the left side, and an HAT approach on the right side in all the cases. The subjects were placed in a normative frame and the force necessary to maintain a satisfactory exposure of the condyle was measured with a system of cables, pulleys, and mechanical dynamometer. The statistical comparison between the two sides was carried out using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired series.

RESULTS

In all the cases, the region of interest was exposed as in the operating room. In the Risdon approach, the mean force was 32 Newtons (4-47). In the HAT approach, the mean force was 19 Newtons (4-33). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The age, gender, and duration of conservation had no influence on the retraction force.

CONCLUSION

In the HAT approach, the retraction of the soft tissues was significantly lower than in the Risdon approach. This study gave an additional explanation to the remarkable safety of the HAT approach. Our results were in favor of the generalization of this technique.