Incidence, aetiology and pattern of mandible fractures in Sonepat, Haryana (India)

Background: Maxillofacial fractures are often associated with considerable long-standing functional, aesthetic and mental complications. Mandible is one of the most common facial fracture. As the numbers of cases are rising in recent years, the present study was aimed to describe Incidence, aetiology and pattern of mandibular fractures in Sonepat. Materials and methods: A prospective Medical institute based study of maxillofacial injury patients was carried out from September 2011 to February 2013 at newly started B.P.S Government Medical College for women, Khanpur kalan, Sonepat. Patients data including sexual category, age, cause, fracture site and pattern were collected and analyzed. Results: There were a total of 474 patients with 86 mandibular fractures. Males outnumbered females by a ratio of 2.9:1. Age range was 9 months to 72 years with the peak incidence occurring in the age group 18-34 years. Most injuries were caused by Road traffic accident (48.83 per cent), followed by assault (26.74 percent) and sport (13.95 per cent). Prominent site of mandibular fracture was Parasymphysis (27.90%) followed by Angle (24.41%) and body (18.60%). 30.23% of patients with mandible fractures were having multiple fracture sites. Also 10% of patients with mandible fracture had mid-facial fractures associated with it. Closed reduction was done in 13.6% of patients, Open reduction and internal fixation was performed in 46.4% of cases and 18.1% were managed conservatively. The mean duration of hospital stay was 10.14 ± 6.34 days. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of Dental surgery in the management of maxillofacial injuries. Moreover there is a need to reinforce legislation and the total enforcement of existing laws to reduce maxillofacial injuries among children and adults.