Simple dentate area fractures of the mandible - can we prevent postoperative infections?

To evaluate the occurrence of surgical site infections and predisposing factors for these in simple mandibular fractures.

A retrospective study of patients with fractures of the dentate part of the mandible included patients with intraorally treated simple fractures of the mandibular body, symphysis, and parasymphysis. The primary outcome variable was postoperative surgical site infection. Use of antibiotics, injury mechanism, fracture and surgery-related explanatory variables, patient-related variables and level of oral hygiene according to the modified Total Dental Index were evaluated.

Of 254 patients with mandibular fractures, 107 were included in the final analysis. The infection group consisted of 18 patients (16.8%). Despite the high infection occurrence, significant differences were not found between antibiotic use or other studied variables and infection occurrence. Infections occurred mainly in patients without any specific explanatory factor for infection.

The notably high occurrence of surgical site infections despite antibiotic use after simple mandibular fracture surgery highlights the importance of perioperative tissue handling and local oral circumstances. It is also necessary to consider whether we generally accept the high risk of infection associated with the intraorally treated simple mandibular fractures.