Clinical characteristics and treatment of multiple site comminuted mandible fractures.

Multiple site comminuted mandibular fractures are the result a concentrated and prolonged force on a region of the mandible. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of these fractures in China, as well as review our experience with these types of fractures. Twenty-one patients treated for multiple site comminuted mandibular fractures were included in the study. The case records were reviewed, with particular attention to the patient's gender, age, aetiology of injury, area and extent of comminution, concomitant injuries and treatment methods. Sixteen of the 21 patients were males. Ages ranged between 18 and 48 years, with a mean of 34.81 years. Traffic accidents were responsible for the majority (42.86%) of the fractures. Concomitant injuries were uncommon. Treatment was with open reduction with rigid internal fixation and maxillo-mandibular fixation. We recommend that fixation and reconstruction of the mandible with reconstruction plates should be the treatment of choice and MMF should be used as an adjunct.