Early fracture of the mandibular condyles: frequently an unsuspected cause of growth disturbances.

Experience with patients referred to the Dentofacial Clinic at the University of North Carolina indicates that previous fracture of the mandibular condylar process may be involved in 5 to 10 percent of all severe mandibular deficiency or asymmetry problems. Since these fractures often go undiagnosed and since three fourths of the children with fractures have no growth deficits, the incidence of condylar fractures probably is much higher than commonly thought. Management of fracture patients immediately following the accident, during the postinjury stages of mandibular growth, and at completion or near-completion of growth is discussed.