An unusual fracture of the mandible.

A rare case of horizontal fracture of mandibular symphysis caused by a sharp matchet cut is presented. Under local anaesthesia with sedation, the fracture site was exposed through the sutured laceration on the left submandibular region. The fracture was adequately reduced and fixed with two circum-mandibular wires. Healing was uneventful, but postoperative radiograph after six weeks revealed a bony defect in the anterior part of the lower border of the mandible, resulting from shifting of the fractured segment posteriorly during healing. Complete recovery of left lower lip sensation was found 4 months postoperatively.