[Studies on mandibular fractures during the growth period and late results of surgical treatment].

Because of their etiology, localization and therapy, mandibular fractures in children occupy a special position. At the University Hospital in Göttingen 70 children with a total of 112 mandibular fractures were treated between 1979 and 1988. 30 out of 36 mandibular body fractures were treated with plate fixation, i.e. predominantly minicompression plates. This type of treatment requires no postoperative intermaxillary fixation. Furthermore, it allows immediate functional treatment for a possible concomitant condylar neck fracture. Neither clinically nor radiographically was there any major inhibition of mandibular growth or nonunion in the 24 patients examined (mean follow-up period 4.7 years). The results demonstrate that rigid plate fixation of mandibular fractures may also be recommended in children.