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Injuries associated with mandible fractures sustained in motor vehicle collisions
K Fischer1, F Zhang, M F Angel
1Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216, USA.
Abstract:
Motor vehicle collisions are second only to altercations as the most common cause of mandible fractures. This article details in a retrospectively studied group the incidence of isolated mandible fractures and associated injuries in patients who were involved in motor vehicle collisions. This group consisted of 148 patients with mandible fractures listed in the University of Mississippi's trauma registry during the past 5 years. In almost all patients, associated injuries occurred with mandible fractures that were caused by motor vehicle collisions, with an incidence of 99.3 percent. Facial and head lacerations and facial fractures were the leading associated injuries, occurring in more than half of the patients who had a mandible fracture. Closed head injury is the major life-threatening associated injury and cause of mortality. The life-threatening injuries occurred in 64.8 percent of patients in this study. The mortality rate in this group of patients was 8.1 percent. These data suggest that mandible fractures from motor vehicle collisions should never be viewed as an isolated injury but rather as part of a spectrum of significant and sometimes life-threatening injuries that require thorough trauma evaluation at the time of presentation.
Insights
Motor vehicle collisions frequently cause mandible fractures, often with severe associated injuries. Thorough trauma evaluation is crucial as these fractures indicate a spectrum of significant, potentially life-threatening injuries.
Area of Science:
- Traumatology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Mandible fractures are commonly caused by motor vehicle collisions (MVCs).
- Associated injuries are frequent in patients with mandible fractures resulting from trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of isolated mandible fractures and associated injuries in MVC patients.
- To analyze the types and severity of injuries associated with mandible fractures from MVCs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 148 patients with mandible fractures from MVCs.
- Data collected from the University of Mississippi's trauma registry over 5 years.
Main Results:
- 99.3% of patients had associated injuries with their mandible fractures.
- Facial/head lacerations and facial fractures were most common; closed head injury was the major life-threatening injury (64.8%).
- Mortality rate was 8.1% in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Mandible fractures from MVCs are rarely isolated injuries.
- These fractures signify a spectrum of severe injuries requiring comprehensive trauma assessment.
- Associated injuries, including life-threatening ones, are highly prevalent and impact patient outcomes.