AtlasTraumaMandibular Fracture

Trauma

Mandibular Fracture

Most commonly fractured facial bone after nasal bones. Often multiple fractures due to arch geometry.

§ overviewOverview

Most commonly fractured facial bone after nasal bones. Often multiple fractures due to arch geometry.

§ epidemiologyEpidemiology

Young males, RTA and interpersonal violence.

§ clinicalClinical Features

  • 01Malocclusion
  • 02Step deformity, mobility, crepitus
  • 03Sublingual haematoma (Coleman's sign)
  • 04Numbness in mental nerve distribution
  • 05Deviation of chin on opening (condylar #)

§ radiographicRadiographic Features

  • 01OPG + PA mandible (basic)
  • 02CBCT / CT — displacement and comminution

§ classificationClassification

  • 01By site: condylar, subcondylar, angle, body, symphysis/parasymphysis, ramus, coronoid, alveolar
  • 02By pattern: greenstick, simple, comminuted, compound
  • 03Favourable vs unfavourable (muscle pull)

§ treatmentTreatment

  • 01Closed reduction: MMF / IMF for minimally displaced, condylar, paediatric
  • 02Open reduction & internal fixation (ORIF): displaced, unfavourable, condylar with malocclusion, edentulous
  • 03AO/Champy's principles of osteosynthesis

§ complicationsComplications

  • 01Malunion / non-union
  • 02Infection
  • 03IAN paraesthesia
  • 04TMJ ankylosis (undertreated condylar #)

§ prognosisPrognosis

Excellent with anatomical reduction and stable fixation.

Draft — pending faculty review. Educational use only; verify against current guidelines and primary sources before clinical application.