Outcomes research: Mandibular fractures in the diabetic population

The study aimed to examine the management and outcomes of mandibular fractures in patients with diabetes mellitus by examining the injury modalities, treatment methods, and complications.

The study conducted was a retrospective case review of patients admitted to Memorial Hermann Hospital from 2007 to 2011 with diagnoses of diabetes mellitus and mandibular fracture. The electronic medical records were reviewed for patient demographics, injury data, surgery methodology, treatment variables, and complications.

Out of the 34 diabetic patients, the average age was 52 with the majority of the fractures being the result of falls, 12 (35.3%). Of the 63 total fractures, 24 (38.1%) fractures were repaired through closed reduction and 39 (61.9%) fractures required open reduction with internal fixation. 17 (50.0%) patients had at least one complication following mandibular fracture repair. The most common complications in this sample population included nerve injury, 7 (20.6%), infection, 7 (20.6%), wound dehiscence with or without hardware exposure, 6 (17.7%), and malocclusion, 5 (14.7%).

When compared to the limited published data our findings imply that diabetic patients with mandibular fractures present as an older population than commonly seen with mandibular fractures and suggest a higher overall rate of complications.