Management of displaced pediatric mandibular parasymphysis fracture with resorbable plates: A two year clinical follow up

ABSTRACT Pediatric mandibular fractures present unique management challenges due to the presence of developing dentition and the potential for growth disturbances. While nonsurgical management is often preferred due to the high elasticity of the pediatric skeleton, displaced bicortical fractures may require open reduction and internal fixation to ensure stable occlusion and functional recovery. The use of conventional metallic hardware in children remains controversial, however, due to concerns regarding potential growth restriction and the necessity of a secondary surgical procedure for implant removal. This report describes the management of a displaced mandibular parasymphysis fracture in a 3.5-year-old child using a poly-L-lactide–co-glycolide (PLLA/PGA) resorbable plating system. The hardware was strategically placed along the inferior border of the mandible to preserve developing tooth buds and provide stable fixation. Clinical and radiographic follow-up over a two-year period demonstrated excellent fracture healing, maintained occlusion, and normal mandibular growth without complications such as infection or plate exposure. These results suggest that resorbable osteosynthesis provides a stable and effective alternative for the management of displaced pediatric mandibular fractures, offering the benefits of rigid fixation while eliminating the morbidity and psychological trauma associated with a second operation for hardware removal .