11.0: Thursday, March 17, 2005
7706

Adult Mandible Fractures: A 5 year retrospective study of Akron, OH’s Experience

Umeng Thao, MD

Purpose: To determine the types of mandible fracture and their methods of treatment Methods and Materials: A retrospective chart review was carried out on 500 patients with mandible fractures in Akron, OH over the period of 1999-2004. The fracture distribution according to age, sex, etiology, associated injuries, anatomic location of the fractures, associated drug and/or alcohol use, and types of treatment were investigated. Results: Mandible fractures were more common in young men (78% men and 48% were 18-30 years). Assault was the most common mechanism of injury (57%) followed by MVA (19%). 86% were closed fractures. Fractures of the left angle predominated (24.7%), followed by left condylar fractures (11.9%), and left parasymphyseal fractures (10.3%). 52% were isolated fractures and 48% involved multiple sites. 65% smoked while 51% had alcohol involvement. Closed reduction and fixation were performed in 34%, open reduction and internal fixation were performed in 46% and observation was done in 14%. Conclusion: Mandible fractures were most common in 18-30 years; occurs more in men; occurs in all locations of the jaw but most commonly left angle fractures; and are treated by both closed and open reduction and fixation. Assault is the most common etiology of the fracture.