Mandibular fracture | |
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Other names | Mandible fracture, fracture of the jaw |
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3D computed tomographic image of a mandible fracture in two places. One is a displaced right angle fracture and the other is a left parasymphyseal fracture. | |
Specialty | Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery |
Symptoms | Decreased ability to open the mouth, teeth will not align properly, bleeding of the gums[1] |
Usual onset | Males in their 30s[1] |
Causes | Trauma, osteonecrosis, tumors[1] |
Diagnostic method | Plain X-ray, Panorex, CT scan[1] |
Treatment | Surgery within a few days[1] |
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]
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