Mandibular fractures - what a difference 30 years has made.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Mandibular trauma management has evolved over decades.
• Understanding current trends in mandibular fractures is crucial for optimizing patient care.
• A 30-year comparison provides insight into shifts in epidemiology and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of mandibular trauma.
• To compare data from two distinct 30-year periods at a tertiary trauma center.
• To identify paradigm shifts in mandibular fracture treatment techniques and their impact.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study comparing two cohorts of mandibular fracture patients (1985-1990 vs. 2011-2016).
• Data collected from The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department.
• Analysis of patient demographics, fracture aetiology, injury patterns, management techniques, and complications.

Main Results:

• Increased incidence of mandibular trauma observed over 30 years.
• Young males remain the dominant demographic; interpersonal violence is the most common cause.
• Significant shift towards reduced intermaxillary fixation and increased use of semi-rigid internal fixation with extraoral approaches.
• Decreased complications including malocclusion, non-union, and permanent nerve injury were noted.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular trauma epidemiology shows an increasing trend, with consistent demographic and aetiological patterns.
• Modern surgical management has evolved, leading to improved outcomes and reduced complications.
• The study highlights significant advancements in treating mandibular fractures over three decades.