Mandibular fracture

Mandibular fracture, also known as fracture of the jaw, is a break through the mandibular bone. In about 60% of cases the break occurs in two places.^[1] It may result in a decreased ability to fully open the mouth.^[1] Often the teeth will not feel properly aligned or there may be bleeding of the gums.^[1] Mandibular fractures occur most commonly among males in their 30s.^[1]

Mandibular fractures are typically the result of trauma.^[1] This can include a fall onto the chin or a hit from the side.^[1] Rarely they may be due to osteonecrosis or tumors in the bone.^[1] The most common area of fracture is at the condyle (36%), body (21%), angle (20%) and symphysis (14%).^[1] Rarely the fracture may occur at the ramus (3%) or coronoid process (2%). While a diagnosis can occasionally be made with plain X-ray, modern CT scans are more accurate.^[1]

Immediate surgery is not necessarily required.^[1] Occasionally people may go home and follow up for surgery in the next few days.^[1] A number of surgical techniques may be used including maxillomandibular fixation and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).^[2][1] People are often put on antibiotics such as penicillin for a brief period of time.^[3][1] The evidence to support this practice, however, is poor.^[4]