Structural changes in the temporomandibular joint in children aged 3 to 12 years on the background of the use of a "growing" endoprosthesis

Reconstruction of the lower jaw (LJ) after partial resection in childhood is an important issue.A "growing" endoprosthesis (EP) has been developed and introduced into practice at the Dmitry Rogachev FSBI NMRC to maintain facial symmetry in the child and stimulate the growth and development of the facial skeleton.Objective.To evaluate the position and optical density of the condylar processes after applying the "growing" EP in children aged 3 to 12 years.Material and methods.We evaluated the position and density of the condylar processes according to the data of multispiral computed tomography in 14 children aged 3 to 12 years after treatment with a customized "growing" EP.Results.No negative influence on the healthy joint was observed upon LJ reconstruction with the "growing" EP.Conclusion.The customized "growing" EP can be the reconstructive material of choice after partial resection of the LJ in children aged from 3 to 12 years.