Bilateral Condylar Fracture: A Case Treated with a Conservative Myofunctional Approach

Abstract

Mandibular condylar fractures in a growing child may cause long-term consequences. A conservative approach has been recommended to permit the remodelling of the condyles as well as to re-establishing the mandibular dynamics and oral functions. This case report presents a bilateral mandibular condylar fracture in an 11 years old girl treated with myofunctional appliances in combination with exercises. The successful results from this clinical case support a conservative approach when treating mandibular condylar fractures in a growing child instead of an open surgical approach.

Bilateral Condylar Fracture: A 10-Year Case Report Follow-Up after a Conservative Myofunctional Approach

“…A non-invasive approach is highly recommended, as it less traumatic for the patient, remodels the mandibular condyle, and re-establishes mandibular dynamics [1,2]. This was supported by a clinical case reported by these authors, where an 11 year-old female patient, who had a traumatic bilateral mandibular condylar fracture, was treated with a myofunctional conservative approach, which rendered a satisfactory remodeling of the mandibular condyles and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on both sides, with a full recovery of the mandibular dynamics, no limitation for mouth opening, and no facial asymmetry [3]. However, longterm follow up reports are not commonly found in the scientific literature.…”

“…The results of the case presented here showed that the treatment produced satisfactory results in recovering the manibular dynamics with a normal oral function, which was stable in the long-term. In this way, the previous clinical case report describing the myofunctional treatment, [3] as well as this report presenting a ten-year follow up of the same clinical case, support the idea that a conservative approach to treat mandibular condylar fractures is a good alternative to treat mandibular condylar fractures, which leads to a full recovery of the condylar morphology, as well as a re-establishment of the oral functions [1]. Furthermore, functional exercises at an early stage of the treatment may help to recover the mandibular dynamics and oral functions [2].…”

“…Such a situation was observed in a TMJ tomogram after 28 months of completing the treatment. The only observed consequence after the conservative myofunctional treatment was a mandibular condyle (heart-shaped) on the left side [3].…”

“…As was previously reported, a clinical case that was followed-up two years after the end of the treatment may not report degenerative changes, yet, at the mandibular condyles, nor might it report clinical symptoms or mandibular dynamics limitations. [3] In this context, a long-term follow-up report is required to show the stability of the treatment and the functional dynamics of the patient at present.…”