Mandible is the second most common facial fracture. There has been a significant increase in the number of cases in recent years with the advent of fast moving automobiles. Mandibular fractures constitute a substantial proportion of maxillofacial trauma cases in Lucknow. This study was undertaken to study mandibular fractures clinicoradiologically with an aim to calculate incidence and study pattern and the commonest site of fractures in population in and around Lucknow. Patient presenting with history of trauma at various centers of maxillofacial surgery in and around Lucknow were included in this study. Detailed case history was recorded followed by thorough clinical examination, and radiological interpretation was done for establishing the diagnosis and the data obtained was analyzed statistically. Out of 66 patients with mandibular fractures, highest percentage was found in 21–30 years of age with male predominance. Road traffic accidents were the most common cause of fracture with parasymphysis being commonest site. Commonest combination was parasymphysis with subcondyle. There was no gender bias in etiology with number of fracture sites. The incidence and causes of mandibular fracture reflect trauma patterns within the community and can provide a guide to the design of programs geared toward prevention and treatment.

The complexity of structure and functions of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) make the diagnosis of its diseases/disorders difficult. Remarkable progress made in the field of imaging of this joint led us to compare four imaging modalities viz. plain radiographs, CT scan, MRI and ultrasound. We found that MRI was most specific and sensitive for interpretation of soft tissue and inflammatory conditions in the joint, whereas CT examination produced excellent image for osseous morphology and pathology. Plain X-rays are useful for destructive bony changes and sonography is a good in aid in diagnosing disc derangement and is very economical.

Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory disease of the bone that usually begins as an infection of the medullary cavity, rapidly involves the haversian system, and quickly extends to the periosteum of the area. It develops in the jaws after a chronic odontogenic infection or for a variety of other reasons such as trauma, inadequate treatment of fracture, or irradiation to the mandible. When antimicrobial agents or drainage prove unsuccessful, acute osteomyelitis may become chronic. Conventional radiography, culture, bone biopsy, radioisotope bone scan, laser Doppler flowmetry, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are used for its diagnosis. We present a case of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis associated with a draining extraoral sinus, which was successfully treated with surgical debridement and stabilization with a 10-hole reconstruction plate and bicortical screws using AO principles.