Outcomes of removing the fracture fragments in the treatment of intracapsular condylar fractures in children

Treatment methods for mandibular condylar fractures in children can be broadly divided into closed treatment and open treatment (open reduction and internal fixation). The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of removing the fracture fragments when treating intracapsular condylar fractures in children. A retrospective study was performed in patients aged ≤12 years with intracapsular condylar fractures treated with removal of the fracture fragments from June 2010 through June 2018. The preoperative and postoperative data of physical complaints, facial asymmetry, maximal interincisal distance, occlusal relationship and radiographic examinations were extracted from the patients' records. The collected preoperative and postoperative data were analysed. Thirteen intracapsular condylar fractures in nine cases were subjected to fracture fragments removal. In these patients, clinical and radiographic results at different follow-up periods displayed normal occlusion and satisfactory bone healing. New condyles were found to be regenerated, in the cases with follow-up period longer than 3 months. Removal of fracture fragments proves to be effective in delivering satisfactory clinical results and permitting ongoing condyle remodelling and regeneration.