Management of unilateral condylar fracture in a 9.6-year-old female

BACKGROUND: Fractures represent a particular kind of pathology in children, as they take place within a rapidly growing organism. Condylar fractures must be focused upon not only as a cause of direct damage to the bone structure, but also with regards to future disorders in the dentofacial development, skeletal deformities and articular dysfunctions. The treatment aims at restoring function, occlusion, and symmetry. Aim of this paper is to emphasise, through the description of a case report, the need for correct diagnosis and the importance of a functional treatment by means of early muscle activation, in order to prevent any consequences on facial development. CASE REPORT: A case of a 9.6-year-old female with monocondylar and intracapsular fracture following a car accident is described. In accordance with the literature, the patient did not undergo surgical treatment, but followed a functional orthodontic protocol. The significant symptoms reduction and the rapid improvement of mandibular functions confirm the excellent healing potential in paediatric age, while the X-ray evaluations 1 year and 3.7 years later testify the condylar reshaping. Since the latter can continue over many years, the clinical and radiological follow-ups of the patient will have to cover the entire growth period.