The treatment of mandibular fractures in children.

92 children with mandibular fracture were treated at our hospital between 1980 and 1989. Distribution and treatment of the fractures focus on a new classification based upon the stage of the dentition, site of the fracture and displacement of the tooth-bearing part of the mandible. The treatment rationale includes intermaxillary fixation by specially designed mini-arch bars with acrylic resin stiffening in cases with undisplaced fractures in the early stages of the dentition. With the help of this technique, invasive procedures for fracture immobilization become less common. The indication for miniplate osteosynthesis is limited to displaced or multiple fractures of the tooth-bearing part of the mandible. The combination of miniplates and monomaxillary splinting with mini-arch bars allows a shorter duration of intermaxillary fixation and hence early functional treatment of additional condylar fractures. Correctly applied miniplates neither injure the tooth germs nor lead to growth disturbances of the mandible. The classification and treatment of mandibular fractures in children are discussed.