Management and treatment of a mandible fracture in an athlete.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a treatment program that may permit a student-athlete who has a mandible fracture to continue participation in a sport without further jeopardizing his or her health. This article is based on an actual case in which a student-athlete sustained a mandible fracture during an intercollegiate basketball game. Within 24 hours, the injured athlete resumed basketball practice. Three days following the injury, he was permitted to compete in a game. In addition to recommendations regarding acute care, we discuss protective equipment, follow-up guidelines, and nutritional considerations. These guidelines may assist the sports medicine team in determining when an athlete with a mandible fracture can return to competitive and contact sports.