Mandibular Fracture Patterns in a Rural Setup: A 7-Year Retrospective Study.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Mandibular fractures represent a significant public health concern, particularly in rural settings.
• Understanding demographic and injury patterns is crucial for targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the epidemiological patterns of mandibular fractures in a rural population.
• To correlate fracture patterns with patient demographics and the mechanisms of injury.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of maxillofacial fracture cases treated between June 2012 and May 2019.
• Data collection included patient demographics (age, gender), etiology, and fracture type.
• All fractures were managed with open reduction and rigid internal fixation.

Main Results:

• A total of 224 patients (195 males, 29 females) with 278 mandibular fractures were analyzed.
• Road traffic accidents were the leading cause, with the 21-30 age group most affected (38%).
• The mandibular parasymphysis region was the most common fracture site (32.3%), and fractures often involved multiple anatomical areas.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular fractures predominantly affect young adults (second and third decades) due to high-speed road traffic accidents.
• Lack of safety accessories contributes to the high incidence of these injuries.
• Mandibular fractures frequently involve more than one anatomical location, necessitating comprehensive treatment approaches.