X-ray diagnosis of fractures of the condylar process of the lower jaw in children

Abstract

Mandibular fractures are one of the most common and complex types of traumatic injuries of the maxillofacial region in children and account for 18-66% of the total number of facial fractures. Among which, fractures in the area of the condylar processes of the mandible (CP) occur in 25-40% of cases. Purpose - to reveal the radiological features of CP fractures in children and to determine the most informative diagnostic methods. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 25 case histories of children with traumatic fractures of the VGNP aged 4 to 18 years was carried out. The analysis of case histories was carried out according to the developed survey map. Under our supervision there were 25 children with traumatic fractures of CP. The age of children ranged from 4 to 17 years, the average age was 10.04 years (±4.09). All children were divided into groups, among which the largest group consisted of children aged 7-12 years - 52% (n=13) of children. Results. Unilateral fractures were detected in 84% (n=21) and bilateral in 16% (n=4) of children, among them with displacement in 92% (n=23). CP fractures in the region of the head were diagnosed in 36% (n=9), the base in 32% (n=8), the neck in 28% (n=7) and the combination of the base and neck in 4% (n=1). Conclusions. The only method that allows obtaining maximum information about various injuries in the bone structures of the joint is CT and spiral 3D-CT. The latter, in turn, allows you to detail any changes in the bone elements of the temporo-mandibular joint for diagnosis, selection and planning of individual treatment tactics, which reduces the time of surgery and the child's stay under anesthesia. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.