A retrospective study of using removable occlusal splint in the treatment of condylar fracture in children

Background: Although the concept of conservative treatment for paediatric condylar fracture is well understood, there is still a lack of a recognized method for treating child patients with a condylar fracture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the removable occlusal splint in treating condylar fractures in children and adolescents. Materials and methods: Forty children and adolescents with condylar fracture, aged 3-16, were included in this study. A removable occlusal splint with varying thickness was fabricated according to the age, developmental stage of the mandible, and degree of condylar dislocation. This was worn for 1-3 months, accompanied by functional exercises. Follow-up was carried out by clinical observation and panoramic X-ray. Results: Clinically satisfactory results with good occlusion were obtained in all the patients, along with unimpaired function and normal growth and development of the mandible. The panoramic image showed remodelling and reconstruction of the fractured condyles. Conclusions: Our results confirm that conservative treatment has a satisfactory clinical outcome in treating condylar fracture in children. The removable occlusal splint is a promising approach for treating condylar fracture in children and adolescents. (C) 2014 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.