Mandibular fractures in Townsville, Australia: incidence, aetiology and treatment using the 2.0 AO/ASIF miniplate system.

In 1995 a total of 114 patients presented with 154 mandibular fractures at the Townsville General Hospital, Australia. Fifty-eight (51%) were white, 50 (44%) aboriginal, and six (5%) of other or unknown race. One-hundred-and-twenty-four of the fractures (81%) occurred in male and 30 (19%) in female patients. Most fractures (n= 128, 83%) resulted from fights. The rest being a result of road traffic accidents (10%), falls (3%), accidents caused by falling objects (3%) and sport accidents (2%). The mandibular angle (n= 66, 43%) and the symphyseal area (n= 40, 26%) were the most common fracture sites. Combined fractures were found in 30% patients (26%). Of all angle fractures, 97% were related to third molars. One-hundred-and-five patients had open reduction by an intraoral approach and stabilization by 2.0 AO/ASIF titanium miniplates and nine closed reduction. Complications included temporary sensory deficit of the mental nerve (3%), minor malocclusion (2%) and infection or dehiscence (5%). We conclude that osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures by the 2.0 AO/ASIF titanium miniplate system is reliable. Copyright 2001 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.