Long Term Follow-up of Children with Facial Asymmetry: A Case Report / 대한소아치과학회지

ABSTRACT

Mandibular fractures occur with high incidence among various fractures in maxillofacial region in children. Jaw fractures in children should be approached differently than in adults because bone growth continues throughout childhood. As far as displacement of the fragment is not severe, or if it is condyle that is fractured, closed reduction and additional intermaxillary fixation can be considered. Functional exercise is also required to prevent ankylosis of temporomandibular joint.Several complications, particularly malocclusion and facial asymmetry due to growth disturbances, can occur after condylar fractures. If growth disturbances take place after mandibular fractures, catch-up growth may occur in some patients, thus, periodic observation is necessary. In case of persistent growth disturbances, functional devices may be used to prevent severe facial asymmetry.This case report describes the long-term follow-up of two patients with facial asymmetry after mandibular fracture.