[A critical evaluation of the functional treatment of mandibular neck fractures in children. The results of a spiral computed tomographic follow-up].

In this retrospective follow-up study after 6 months of treatment with functional appliance therapy of 12 children who had suffered condylar fractures, spiral CT was employed for the radiological examination with 2D and 3D reconstructions. Although all patients exhibited restoration of normal function, only 4 showed favorable remodeling. The other patients had developed 5 hypoplastic, 5 moderate and 5 severe deformed condyles. Seven condylar fragments were resorbed; 2 were uprighted; 4 had developed bony spurs and 3 neoarthrosis. The results revealed a fracture dependent remodeling. The authors discuss the etiology of the functional stimulated new bone formation of the condylar process. Excessive bone apposition as a reaction to the anterior shift of the mandible seems to play an important role during the overgrowth of the head of the condyle.