Epidemiological analysis of mandibular fractures treated in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Objective

To analyze the results of an epidemiological study of mandibular fractures treated in a population of the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Materials and Methods

The population included patients treated by a Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology from January 2008 to September 2010, diagnosed with mandibular fractures. The variables analyzed for the study were gender, age, etiology, clinical signs and symptoms, type of treatment, and postoperative condition.

Results

A total of 171 patients and a total of 269 mandible fractures were diagnosed, with the majority being the males (84.8%), between the 2nd and 3rd decade of life. The mandibular condyle was the most affected region (32.04%), followed by the mandibular angle (23.38%). The postoperative edema was the most evident clinical sign, and the treatment of choice was the reduction and internal fixation with titanium mini-plates in all cases.

Conclusion

The treatment of mandibular fractures should be aimed at restoring the occlusion and mastication function, with surgery being the most indicated treatment, using reduction and internal fixation with the use of a plates and screws system based on the experience of the authors. Knowledge of surgical techniques and methods of reduction and fixation of fractures, and periodic monitoring allow these patients to receive the appropriate treatment.