Mandibular greenstick fracture healing: A conservative approach

Abstract It is common that pediatric maxillofacial fractures develop after a traumatism. The lower calcification of pediatric bones allows them to be flexed in response to external forces, producing greenstick fractures. Many injuries that require surgical management in adults, could be conservatively managed in children due to anatomical, physiological and psychological factors. This is a case report of a six-year-old boy that presented a greenstick fracture of the mandibular body due to a vehicle accident. At clinical examination, it was observed an increase in mandibular left angle volume and intraoral lacerations. Radiographic exams confirmed an incomplete fracture line without displacement next to the permanent mandibular left first molar. The management was conservative: analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy, soft diet, physical activities restriction and compliance with oral hygiene. The longitudinal follow-up during a year showed a good prognosis in mandible growth and development.