Morbidity associated with extraoral open reduction of mandibular fractures

One hundred consecutive extraoral open reductions of mandibular fractures were analyzed in an attempt to quantitate the morbidity of this technique and demonstrate possible predisposing factors. A complication rate of 13% was found in this series. Age of the patient, coexisting systemic disease, operative delay and operative and postoperative misadventures could not be correlated with morbidity. An obvious relationship was found between the area of the fracture and the presence and disposition of teeth in the fracture line, and the incidence of complications. Open reductions of the mandibular angle associated with teeth removed from the fracture line produced the greatest incidence of complications both quantitatively and qualitatively.