A Retrospective Analysis of Mandibular Fractures: An Autopsy Study-2012-2016

Mandibular fracture, also known as fracture of the jaw, is one of the most commonly fractured facial bones and the most commonly fractured sites are the body of the mandible. The cause of the injury may be road traffic accidents, assault, falls, industrial injuries or sports injuries but the relative number of each varies considerably between countries and areas. This study intends to evaluate the age, gender distribution, the cause and anatomical distribution of mandibular fractures among autopsied cases.

A retrospective study was conducted at Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Kolar from 2012 to 2016 and a total of 72 cases were studied.

Out of 72 (100%) cases, the males 54 (75%) outnumbered females with 18 (25%) cases. 45.1% of fractured cases were seen in the age group of 21–30 years. Road Traffic Accidents 40 (55.6%) was the cause of mandibular fractures in majority of the subjects. The most common site of mandibular fracture was body of mandible with 28 (38.8%) cases.

The results could be useful in interpreting the pattern of mandibular fractures among autopsied cases. Since the high frequency of mandibular fractures are due to RTA, the various preventive measures can be employed to minimize the sequelae of mandibular fractures like creating awareness among public about safety measures.