Mandibular Fractures as Related to the Site of Trauma and the State of Dentition

With sufficient energy imparted to the mandible by an impact, the bone will fracture. But where? Is the location of mandibular fractures haphazard and arbitrary, or are there predisposing factors which tend to influence this location? No doubt the shape of the bone itself plays an important role in determining the location of some of the fractures. The narrow neck of the mandible, with its reduced cross-sectional area, is probably less strong than the body or the symphysis. Also in this regard the magnitude of the energy of the impact will be significant. If the amount of energy imparted to the mandible is above the elastic limit of the bone, a fracture will occur, with most of the energy being dissipated in producing the one fracture. However, if the magnitude of the energy greatly exceeds the elastic limit, more fractures are likely to be produced. Does the state of dentition or the site of trauma have any influence on the location of these fractures? Up to this time, no clinical or experimental evidence has been presented to substantiate or refute these questions. It is the purpose of this report to present data regarding the relationship of the location of mandibular fractures and number of fractures with the site of impact, the state of dentition, and the age of the individual.