Condylar injuries in growing patients

Abstract

Although the mandibular condyle is one of the most common sites of injury of the facial skeleton, it is also the most overlooked and least diagnosed site of trauma in the head and neck region. The condyle forms the very cornerstone of mandibular form and function and therefore injuries to the mandibular condyle in growing children may adversely affect growth and development of the jaws and the occlusion. The aim of this article is to present an overview of condylar injuries in growing patients for the purpose of increasing the awareness of all dental practitioners involved in the treatment of children with acute oro-facial injuries.