Airway Compromise in Mandibular Fracture

Area of Science:

• Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Airway compromise is a critical complication in maxillofacial trauma.
• The incidence of airway compromise specifically following mandibular fractures is not well-documented.
• Maxillofacial fractures require prompt assessment and management to prevent life-threatening complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and characteristics of airway compromise in patients with maxillofacial fractures.
• To determine the specific risk factors and patterns of mandibular fractures associated with airway compromise.
• To highlight the importance of early airway assessment in maxillofacial trauma management.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 154 maxillofacial fracture cases from 2017 to 2020.
• Identification of patients requiring airway management during initial treatment.
• Review of fracture location, cause of injury, patient demographics, and management strategies.

Main Results:

• Mandibular fractures constituted 93% of all maxillofacial fractures.
• Three cases (1.9%) required airway management, all associated with mandibular fractures.
• These cases involved high-energy trauma, displaced fractures in the symphysis/parasymphysis region, and required endotracheal intubation.

Conclusions:

• While rare, airway compromise is a significant risk in severe mandibular fractures, especially those resulting from high-energy trauma.
• Early recognition and intervention, including endotracheal intubation, are crucial for managing airway compromise in these patients.
• Further research into specific fracture patterns and risk stratification for airway compromise in mandibular fractures is warranted.