Hyperostosis as a late sequel of parasymphyseal mandibular fractures in 2 children

Background: The potential problem of growth anomalies affecting a mandible following a fracture of a mandibular condyle in childhood is well established. However, there have been no previous reports of this phenomenon affecting other fracture sites in the mandible. Patients: Two patients who had parasymphyseal fractures treated in childhood presented at skeletal maturity with hyperostosis at the fracture site, producing chin asymmetry in their teens. Results: In both cases the hyperostosis produced significant chin asymmetry without disturbance of the occlusion. Both patients were managed with corrective genioplasty. Conclusion: These cases reinforce the previous recommendations regarding the need for long-term follow-up of children who sustain facial fractures of the mandible, and that the protocol should be expanded to include parasymphyseal fractures as well as fractures of the condyle.