A Study of Comminuted Mandibular Fractures at the National and Specialized Police Hospital in 2020

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Mandibular fractures, particularly comminuted fractures, are among the most common and complex injuries encountered in maxillofacial trauma. These fractures primarily result from severe impacts due to war-related incidents, traffic accidents, and falls from height. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of patients with such fractures at the Police National and Specialty Hospital in the solar year 1399 (2020-2021 CE).

Materials and Methods: This descriptive case series study was conducted in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery at the Police National and Specialty Hospital during the solar year 1399. Thirty-eight military personnel with comminuted mandibular fractures sustained in war-related incidents were enrolled after hospitalization and indication for surgical intervention. Necessary data were extracted and analyzed from patient records.

Findings: Out of 39,600 patient admissions, 2,325 trauma cases were recorded, with 38 (1.6%) presenting with comminuted mandibular fractures. The most common causes of injury included gunshot wounds (71%), mine explosions (15.7%), and traffic accidents (13.1%). All cases required surgical treatment, which involved internal fixation (57.8%) and external fixation (42.1%). Complications reported included aesthetic deformities, masticatory problems, tissue defects, and numbness in the affected area.

Conclusion: Comminuted mandibular fractures pose a significant challenge for maxillofacial surgeons due to their inherent complexity. Appropriate management, based on the degree of displacement, is recommended and includes intermaxillary fixation, plate and mini-screw osteosynthesis, and in more severe cases, the use of titanium mesh.