Radiographic evaluation in three dimensions of condylar fractures with closed treatment in children and adolescents

Abstract Purpose To investigate a new three-dimensional classification of healing morphology in condylar fractures in children and adolescents after closed treatment, and establish its association with fracture type and clinical outcomes. Materials and methods The medical records of children and adolescents with condylar fracture treated from 2009 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical outcomes were assessed by mandibular deviation during mouth opening, Helkimo anamnestic index (Ai), and Helkimo clinical dysfunction index (Di). The condylar healing morphology was evaluated through three-dimensional CT images after 1–2 years of follow-up. Results In total, 96 patients with 142 condylar fracture sites were included in the study. Condylar healing morphology was classified into three main patterns: unchanged (21.13%), spherical (62.68%), and irregular (16.19% — including the three subtypes triangular, L-shaped, and Y-shaped). There was a significant difference in the distribution of the three main healing patterns among various fracture types (p = 0.0227). Irregular patterns occurred more frequently in adolescents than in children. In unilateral fractures, no obvious association was found between condylar healing morphology and clinical outcomes, including mandibular deviation during mouth opening (p = 0.162), Ai (p = 0.0991) and Di (p = 0.25). Most patients healing in different condylar patterns reached a good clinical outcome after 1–2 years. Conclusions Although the healing morphology of condylar fractures in children and adolescents remained abnormal, good clinical prognosis was achieved over the 2-year follow-up. Therefore, closed treatment remains a good approach.