Fractures of the mandible in the aging population.

Maxillofacial trauma in elderly patients represents a significant social concern, as it uses one-third of all medical resources allocated to trauma care. Studies have shown the incidence of maxillofacial trauma in the elderly population has been increasing over the past 30 years. A common injury in patients who present with maxillofacial trauma is fracture of the mandible. The etiology, demographics, and management of elderly patients with mandibular fractures differ from younger cohorts. Falls are the primary reason for mandibular fracture in the elderly with 30% of individuals over 65 years of age falling each year. This increases to more than 40% in persons 80 years and older. Elderly persons with atrophic mandible have less osteogenic capability and reduced blood flow, and may have a complex medical history, so that management of a fracture of the mandible may require special considerations. The purpose of this review paper was to examine demographic patterns and the etiology of mandibular fractures in the elderly; and to evaluate treatment strategies.