Etiologic Factors Influencing the Pattern of Mandibular Fractures – A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Objectives: Fractures involving the face, especially the mandible causes aesthetic disfigurement and hamper masticatory function. Ever changing economic and population trends have caused a shift in the etiologic factors responsible for mandibular fracture. This study records the epidemiology of the mandibular fractures in Bhubaneshwar region of Odisha and to appreciate the importance of demographics and contribution of individual etiological factors towards such injuries.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted during between September 2013 to March 2017, in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Dental Science. Patients admitted in the facility for the treatment of mandibular fractures were included in the study. The data was collected from patient records.Results: Out of a total of 197 patients, 90% affected were males, with 42.6% aged between 20-29 years. The most common cause was Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs)with 83% and para-symphysis fractures was seen in 42.7%. Etiology was found to be influenced by gender using Chi-square (p < 0.05) and site of injury was found to highly significant with respect to age. Conclusion:Mandibular fractures were found to be associated with younger aged males and road traffic accidents. This could be prevented with stringent and safer traffic regulations.