Use of a mandibular fracture score to predict the development of complications.

PURPOSE: Mandibular fractures are common facial injuries. Classifications are diverse and sometimes correlated with specific treatment modalities. Osteosynthesis using plate and screws is the standard method of fracture treatment. To evaluate the outcome of such fracture management in our clinic, we developed a numeric scoring system for mandibular fractures and investigated the relationship between the scoring of the fracture being treated and the incidence of complications after surgical treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-six adult patients treated over a 2-year period were evaluated, and the fractures were classified using the mandibular trauma score. This score was based on clinical and radiologic evaluation of each fracture line and ranks from 0 to 15 points. Osteosynthesis was performed using the AO plate systems. Patients were followed-up postoperatively for the presence of complications.
RESULTS: During the 2-year period, 76 patients with 134 fractures underwent plate osteosynthesis. Fracture scoring indicated a homogeneous distribution between uncomplicated and severe fractures. The incidence of complications increased with the fracture severity, assessed by the fracture score index. Severe fractures showed fewer complications when treated with a rigid plate system, whereas low-score fractures showed better results when treated with less rigid systems.
CONCLUSIONS: The numeric scoring system for mandibular fractures allows an objective and standardized assessment of the degree of severity of a fracture and may facilitate decisions about the use of specific treatment modalities.