Association Between Trauma Mechanism and Mandibular Fracture Pattern: A 13-Year Retrospective Analysis at a Regional...

The mandible, due to its anatomical position, mobility, and functional role, is one of the bones most frequently involved in maxillofacial trauma, with fracture patterns influenced by impact mechanisms and anatomical characteristics. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between trauma mechanisms and affected anatomical subsites in patients with isolated mandibular fractures treated at a regional public hospital in Buenos Aires Province. A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted using medical records, surgical reports, and diagnostic imaging of patients treated between 2011 and 2024. Isolated mandibular fractures were included, while pathological fractures, dentoalveolar injuries, and cases with incomplete data were excluded. Trauma mechanisms were classified as interpersonal aggression, vehicular accidents, falls from height, contact sports, and blows with blunt objects. Interpersonal aggression was the most frequent trauma mechanism, followed by falls from height and vehicular accidents. The mandibular angle, parasymphysis, and condyle were the most commonly affected anatomical sites. Multivariable analysis showed a higher probability of condylar fractures in falls from height (OR = 4.75; 95% CI: 2.24-10.3; p < 0.001) and vehicular accidents (OR = 3.02; 95% CI: 1.28-7.13; p = 0.01). Falls were also associated with a lower probability of mandibular angle fractures (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06-0.36; p < 0.001), while blunt object trauma showed a positive association with mandibular body fractures (OR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.04-8.95; p = 0.04). These findings indicate that trauma mechanisms influence the anatomical distribution of mandibular fractures, providing relevant information for diagnostic assessment and surgical planning.