Optimization in treatment modality for mandibular fracture

ABSTRACT

This study aims to provide analysis of mandibular fracture treated in a tertiary care hospital during the period from 1 st January 2006 to 30 th June 2008, it also share the author's experience of using different modalities to treat mandibular fractures and their outcome for comparison with other similar studies in literature. One hundred and ninety nine patients with mandibular fractures were included in this study. The age, sex, etiology, fracture characteristics, associated facial injuries, various methods of management and postoperative complications were evaluated. According to treatment modality used, patients were classified into four groups; G-I, closed reduction [CR] and Maxillomandibular fixation [MMF], G-II, open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] with miniplate, G-III, open reduction and internal fixation with wire, G-IV, closed reduction and acrylic splint fixation with circum-mandibular wiring. Road traffic accident was the commonest cause of mandibular fracture, with male to female ratio 81, age of the patients range from 3-68 yrs; mean age was 27 yrs with Std +/- 13.8. Majority of the patients belonged to age group 16 to 30 years, isolated mandible fractures were 72.9%, common site of fracture was parasymphysis [33.2%]. Mainly open reduction and internal fixation techniques employed for [110] cases [G-II] showed good results with fewer complications. The study re-emphasized that ORIF with miniplate osteosynthesis is a reliable method for mandibular fracture management with multiple advantages and fewer complications