Abstract

Introduction: Mandibular fractures in infants are rare. We aim to describe a case of displaced mandibular fracture of an infant who was managed by a combination of treatment modalities to achieve favourable outcome.

Case report: A healthy 11 months old girl was referred to the Department of Paediatric Dentistry for management of a mandibular fracture following a fall. Clinical and radiographic examination demonstrated a displaced symphysis fracture of the mandible with concomitant right intra-capsular condylar fracture. Open reduction and internal fixation with titanium miniplate and screws were fixated at the lower border of the mandible with additional immobilisation with cap splint. The cap splint was stabilised with circum-mandibular wirings. The splint and implants were removed after 4 weeks and 3 months, respectively. Post-operative healing was uneventful. The face was symmetrical with the primary teeth erupted into occlusion.

Conclusion: The treatment approach should be customised for each case by considering the patient’s age, level of co-operation of the child, degree of fracture displacement, pre-treatment occlusion derangement, and stage of dentition development.

Key words: infant, mandibular fractures, circum-mandibular wiring, open fracture reductions