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Fracture properties of the human mandible
M Unnewehr1, C Homann, P F Schmidt
1Institute of Legal Medicine, Westfälische-Wilhelms-Universität, Röntgenstrasse 23, 48149, Münster, Germany.
International Journal of Legal Medicine
|September 19, 2003
Summary
Human mandible fractures were studied under impact. Fronto-median impacts caused posterior fractures, while lateral impacts resulted in direct corpus fractures, revealing different fracture patterns and thresholds.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Biomechanics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Background:
- Understanding human mandible biomechanics is crucial for trauma analysis.
- Fracture patterns inform injury reconstruction and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the fracture patterns and thresholds of human mandibles under different impact directions.
- To analyze cortical deformation during impact events.
Main Methods:
- Seven human mandibles were subjected to pendulum impacts under standardized conditions.
- Cortical deformation was measured using strain gauges at eight defined sites.
- Two impact directions were tested: fronto-median and lateral.
Main Results:
- Fronto-median impacts consistently produced bilateral, multiple fractures in the posterior mandible (collum and condyle) with a fracture threshold of 2.5–3.1 kN.
- Lateral impacts resulted in direct, ipsilateral corpus fractures near the impact site, typically single or double, with a lower fracture threshold of 0.6–0.8 kN.
Conclusions:
- Mandible fracture patterns are highly dependent on impact direction.
- Lateral impacts are significantly less forceful in causing fractures compared to fronto-median impacts.
- These findings have implications for forensic investigations and the design of protective measures.