Age distribution of mandibular fractures and concomitant injuries

Background Facial fractures can be accompanied by various injuries to other parts of the body. These associated and concomitant injuries worsen the prognosis of facial trauma, as they may cause functional disabilities or mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution and features of mandibular fractures and concomitant injuries according to the age group. Methods Patients who underwent surgery for mandibular fracture were retrospectively screened from the hospital information system. The patients' age, sex, etiology of injury, and any non-mandibular facial and skull fractures and concomitant injuries were evaluated. Results A total of 141 patients were included. The patients ranged in age from 1 to 76 years with a mean (SD) age of 29.06 (16.47) years. Only dentoalveolar arch fractures differed according to age (p = 0.036). The prevalence of dentoalveolar arch fractures was significantly higher in patients under 18 years of age than in patients between 18 and 59 years of age. There were no statistically significant differences in rates of concomitant facial, skull fractures, or other body injuries according to age (p > 0.05). Conclusions Despite the physiological and anatomical differences between the pediatric and adult patients, they did not make any difference in terms of mandible fractures and injuries concomitant with these fractures.