Abstract
Introduction: the diversity of the causes of trauma produces different patterns of fractures depending on sociodemographics, lifestyle, industry, and outdoor activities. Mandibular fractures (MFs) are the commonest facial fractures. Reconstruction aims to restore the preinjury anatomy and function as much as possible.
Aim of the study: to evaluate the demographics, etiologies, patterns, treatment modalities and outcomes of management of MFs in southern Egypt.
Patients and Methods: records of 1371 patients with MFs were reviewed to study the incidence, causes, patterns, treatment modalities and outcomes of surgical management.
Results: the study included 1152 (84.03%) males and 219 (15.97%) females. The second and third decades were the most vulnerable groups. Isolated MFs appeared in 75.49% of patients while in the others either zygoma and/or maxilla were affected. The commonest causes were road traffic accidents (66.89%) and fall from height (15.1%). The body was the commonest involved region (30.98%), followed by parasymphyseal region (24.33%). In 66.16% of patients, the treatment was open reduction and internal fixation while in 22.17%, closed reduction and intermaxillary fixation were used. 20.24% of the cases had 1 or more postoperative complications, mainly temporomandibular joint dysfunction in 64 cases, malocclusion in 58 cases, and paresthesia in 42 cases.
Conclusion: the MFs are common in the youth. The road traffic accidents are the most common etiology. This can be reduced by simple measures like compulsory seat belts and wearing the helmet. Open reduction and internal fixation is the commonest treatment modality.