[Facial symmetry after conservative treatment of unilateral condylar fracture in children: a three-dimensional study].

Objective: To investigate the influence of condylar fractures on the growth of condylars after conservative treatments by three-dimensional measurement. Methods: Twenty three children with unilateral condylar fracture followed-up for at least 1 year in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital were included from June 2016 to March 2017. CT scans were performed for each patient. Three-dimensional virtual skulls were reconstructed and measuring points were defined with Simplant 11.04 software. The depth of glenoid fossa, height of articular eminence, width, height and depth of condylar, deviation of pogonion were measured. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess difference between the bifid group and the normal group. Results: No difference was observed in the vertical position of crest of the articular eminence between two groups ( P =0.110). The vertical position of roof of the glenoid fossa in bifid side was significantly superior than the one in normal side ( P =0.010). Bifid side had a shorter ( P =0.002) and wider( P =0.002) condylar than normal side did. No difference was observed in the depth of condylar between two groups ( P =0.071). The average deviation of pogonion was (0.69±1.75) mm ( P =0.072) from sagittal plan. Conclusions: This short-termed study indicates that children's growth potential of condylar is under average after conservative treatments. Because the bone hyperosteogeny of glenoid fossa compensates the hypotrophy of condylar, no deviation of pogonion is detected.