Plating: a preferred efficient method of treating mandibular fractures

To demonstrate that rigid internal fixation in the form of plates is both a simple and an efficient method of treating mandibular fractures. Design: A retrospective study done of 96 patients with 147 fractures of the mandible during the calendar years 1991 and 1992. Setting: Department of Oral Maxillo Facial Surgery, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, England, UK. Ninety six patients treated at the Manchester Royal infirmary that presented with mandibular fractures. Main outcome measures: Preference of method and morbid effects associated with the rigid internal fixation of mandiblular fractures. Majority of the patients in his study were male in the age group of 20-30 years. In most cases there was a unilateral pattern of injury and the most common cause of the injury was assault. 76% of the patients were treated by rigid internal fixation either by plates supplemented by other methods. Morbid effects were recorded as mal occlusions in 4 patients, infection in 9 cases, delayed and/or non union in 4 cases, sensory distrubances of the mental and inferior alveolar nerves was encountered in 13 instances and trismus in one. From this study it can be concluded that at a center where facilities are available, rigid internal fixation in the from of plates is both a preferred and an efficient methods of treating injuries of the lower jaw. There are some complications associated with this method it surely is a technique sensitive procedure. However, the advantages and the final results of this procedure definitely outweigh its negative aspects

incidence of mandibular trauma

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of mandibular fractures at an Urban center. A total of 96 patients presented to the Manchester Royal Infirmary with Mandibular Fractures during the calendar years, 1991 and 1992. It was determined that the main etiological factor leading to the disturbance of the mandibular contours were assault or interpersonal violence [74%] followed by Falls, Road Traffic Accidents and Sporting Injuries. Majority of the subjects were males and most of the patients were in the age group of 20-29 years. In most of the patients there was a unilateral pattern of injury and the angle was the most vulnerable area of the lower jaw to be traumatized