The Distribution and Fracture Patterns of Mandibular Fractures Due to Traffic Accidents: A Retrospective Study

Background: Mandibular fractures constitute a significant proportion of maxillofacial trauma resulting from traffic accidents and present valuable information about the severity of the trauma mechanism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics, fracture patterns, and accompanying injuries of mandibular fractures resulting from traffic accidents. Methods: A retrospective examination was made of 94 patients who presented for forensic medicine evaluation following a traffic accident between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2024 and were determined with mandibular fracture. The demographic data, accident characteristics, localization of the mandibular fracture, number of fractures, displacement status, and accompanying injuries were analyzed. Results: The analyzed cases comprised 68.1% males and 31.9% females, with a mean age of 29.27 ± 14.34 years. The mandibular fractures were displaced in 52.1% of cases, and closed in 98.9%. The fracture regions were determined to most often be the ramus (32.9%) and the condyle (32.9%). A single fracture was present in 54.9% of cases and multiple fractures in 45.1%. A significant correlation was seen between ramus fractures and male gender, driver status, and concomitant systemic injuries, whereas no significant relationship was found between some fracture types and the demographic and accident-related variables. Conclusions: Mandibular fractures resulting from traffic accidents may represent relatively high-energy trauma mechanisms, and certain fracture patterns may occur together with multiple and systemic injuries. The localization and characteristics of mandibular fractures present important clues about the biomechanics of the trauma and a holistic approach is required in the forensic medicine evaluation.