Fractures of the Mandible

Question 1

Clinical signs + symptoms of a mandibular fracture

Answer 1

1. Pain
2. Occlusal derangement
3. Numbness of lower lip
4. Mobile teeth
5. Bleeding
6. AOB
7. Facial asymmetry
8. Deviation of mandible to opposite side

Question 2

Classification of mandibular fractures is based on what following criteria? (6)

Answer 2

1. Involvement of surrounding tissue
2. Number of fractures
3. Side of fracture
4. Site of the fracture
5. Direction of fracture line
6. Displacement of fracture

Question 3

Factors that can cause displacement of mandibular fractures (5)

Answer 3

Opposing occlusion

Magnitude of force

Mechanism of injury

Intact soft tissue

Other associated fractures

Question 4

Radiographic assessment for mandibular fractures

Answer 4

OPT + PA mandible

Occlusal
CT

Question 5

Treatment of mandibular fractures

Answer 5

1. Control of pain + infection
2. Reduction + fixation (if displaced or mobile)

Question 6

Indications for ORIF condylar fracture (3)

Answer 6

Bilateral subcondylar fracture with AOB tendency

Displaced condylar fracture that interferes with mouth opening

Displaced fracture that causes occlusal derangement

Question 7

Different types of fracture

Answer 7

• Simple
• Compound
• Greenstick
• Pathological

Question 8

Example of pathological causes of fractures (5)

Answer 8

Pagets
Osteogenesis imperfecta
Osteoporosis
Cysts
Tumours

Question 9

Tx for displaced fractures

Answer 9

Reduction
Fixation

Question 10

Possible complications for condylar fractures (6)

Answer 10

Asymmetry
Ankylosis
Subluxation
Osteoarthritis
Trismus
AOB