Split Fracture and Displacement of Mandibular Lingual Cortical Plate of Mandibular Symphysis Requires Fixation

The first priority in the management of comminuted mandibular fractures is the prevention of acute upper airway obstruction. Each division of mandibular fractures may cause respiratory obstruction. Among the variety of such fractures, split fracture of the symphyseal lingual cortical plate has a significant influence on the oropharyngeal and laryngopharyngeal airway spaces, and causes a markedly restricted ventilatory function. As the bony fragment is pedicled to the geniohyoid and genioglossus muscles, this type of fracture restricts hyoid movements, which may result in disturbance of deglutition. We present two cases of split fracture and displacement of the mandibular lingual cortical plate of the mandibular symphysis, which were successfully treated with open reduction. We believe that precise reduction and fixation of the fragment of the symphyseal lingual cortical plate are indispensable for both relieving the airway obstruction and preventing disturbance of deglutition.