• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.453-458
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• 2004

Mandibular fracture is less common in children than in adults. However, children are more susceptible to ankylosis and developmental disorders, and don't respond as well to intermaxillary fixation compared to adults. On the other hand, bone fracture is healed more quickly in children and complications are scarce. Mandibular fracture in children is usually treated successfully with acrylic splint therapy with or without the use of eyelet wires and intermaxillary fixation. Severe complications that include ankylosis and developmental disorders may occur. The frequency and severity of such complications can be mitigated with a shorter duration of intermaxillary fixation and good post-operative care. Encouraging mandibular physical therapy by increasing patient motivation may be necessary in such cases where the patient's response is poor and the duration of intermaxillary fixation increases; when the patient is unable to undergo physical therapy, or when intermaxillary fixation is not necessary with the patient showing only minor symptoms such as trismus. In this case report, a 6 year-old girl with bilateral condylar fracture was treated with elastic in both the upper and lower jaws to allow mandibular physical therapy using a Benoist's appliance, which allows opening, lateral, and protrusive retrusive movements of the mandible. A 7-month follow-up showed beneficial therapeutic effects such as increased mandibular movement and prevention of condylar ankylosis.