Management of mandibular fractures in children.

To guide surgeons treating mandibular fractures in children, this article first reviews the growth of the mandible, describes how injury can affect such growth, and explains how to harness the process of growth to good effect. This information is important in making therapeutic decisions about the management of such injuries. The article then reviews the various opinions regarding diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

Dealing with the effects of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in growing children.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic childhood disease that has a multiplicity of effects on the growth and development of the facial skeleton. An understanding of the disease in general and its therapy is necessary for successful surgical-orthodontic care.

Imaging findings of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws.

Background And Purpose: Bisphosphonates are drugs that decrease bone turnover by inhibiting osteoclast activity. An association between the use of bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the maxilla and mandible has recently been described. This study describes the imaging findings of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws.

A comparative study of 2 imaging techniques for the diagnosis of condylar fractures in children.

Purpose: We sought to compare the sensitivity and specificity of panoramic radiographs with those of coronal computed tomography (CT) scans in the diagnosis of mandibular condylar fractures in the pediatric population.

Methods: Medical, dental, and radiographic records of patients who presented between 1995 and 2000 were evaluated for injuries involving the mandibular condyle. The sample included 22 males and 15 females with ages ranging from 2 to 15 years (mean, 8 years).