A 10-year retrospective study on mandibular fractures in Northern Taiwan

Background/purpose: The mandible is an independent and protruding bone structure in the lower third portion of the human facial skeleton. Because of its prominent and unprotected position, the mandible is a primary site of facial trauma. Previous studies have not comprehensively discussed the association between the mandibular fractures and concomitant fractures of facial bones, the trunk, or limbs. This study analyzed the epidemiology of mandibular fractures and their correlation with concomitant fractures. Materials and methods: The present study enrolled 118 patients with a total of 202 mandibular fracture sites during at any time from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021, in northern Taiwan. Results: According to the study results, the patients between 21 and 30 years of age had the highest occurrence of trauma, and road traffic accidents (RTAs) constituted the primary cause of mandibular fractures. Fall-related injuries were significant in patients >30 years of age. By the analysis of Pearson's contingency coefficient, the number of mandibular fractures was not significantly associated with concomitant fractures of the extremities or the trunk. However, accompanying maxillary fractures can be regarded as an indication of concomitant extremity or trunk fractures in patients with mandibular fractures. Conclusion: Three-site mandibular fractures are not necessarily accompanied by extremity and trunk fractures; however, clinicians should implement multidisciplinary examination and management in patients with mandibular fractures accompanied by maxillary fractures. Maxillary fractures can be regarded as an indication of concomitant fractures of other facial bones, the extremities, or the trunk.