Prevalence of mandibular fractures in central India

Aim: To understand and deduce the prevalence of mandibular fractures in patients having maxillofacial injuries which includes isolated mandibular fracture, maxillo-mandibular fractures and poly-trauma from a 42 month retrospective survey in central region in India. Material & Methods: The data base of 42 months has been evaluated from trauma centers in Central India in which we have assessed only those patients whose case history was complete with radiographic evidence. A total number of 596 cases of mandible fractures either present as a single entity or associated with poly-trauma. The total number of 1197 fractures was noted in mandible in 596 patients. Manual data analysis was done to evaluate the prevalence of mandibular fractures concerning the site and differentiated on the basis of age and gender. In our study we have excluded those patients which are having incomplete or inappropriate data. Results: We have found that maximum prevalence concerning the site of mandible fracture in the central region is at symphysis and parasyphysis region (34%) followed by body (22.3%), condyle (19.5%), angle (17.7%), dento-alveolar region (3%), comminuted fractures (2.4%) and coronoid fractures (0.66%). There is prevalence of fractures with gender ratio of 3.3:1 with domination of males with decreased association of other bone injuries (37%) as compared with its individual incidence (63%). We have also found the higher range of double site fractures in comparison with single and multiple ones. Conclusion: Maxillofacial injuries in the last few years has been decreased due to compulsory use of helmets and seat belts while driving. The pattern of fractures determines that the fractures are mainly due to high impact trauma and knowing a precise idea about the prevalence we can fabricate proper preventive measures and protocols for treatment regime.