The aetiology of mandibular fractures at an urban centre.

The objectives of this study were to determine the common aetiological factors leading to the fracture of the lower jaw (mandible) at an urban centre in England. A total of 96 patients presented to the Manchester Royal Infirmary with mandibular fractures during the calendar years 1991 and 1992. It was determined that the main aetiological factor leading to the disturbance of the mandibular contours was assault or interpersonal violence (74%) followed by falls, road traffic accidents and sporting injuries. The majority of the subjects were males and most of the patients were in the age group of 20-29 years. In most of the patients there was a unilateral pattern of injury and the angle was the most vulnerable area of the lower jaw to be traumatised.