Epidemiology of mandibular fractures treated at Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital, Lithuania.

Fractures of the mandible are one of the most common maxillofacial injuries. Because the pattern and incidence of mandibular fractures vary in different countries, there is a need to evaluate aspects of mandibular trauma in Lithuania's population. In this retrospective study hospital files of Oral and maxillofacial surgery unit of Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital were examined. The data that we collected included age, gender, hospitalization time, trauma mechanism, site of fracture, associated injuries, diagnostic and treatment methods. 87.1% of patients were male and they predominated in all age groups with a male to female ratio of 6.8:1. The highest incidence of mandibular fractures in male patients was in the 16-30 year age group and 31-45 year group for females. Interpersonal violence was the main cause of mandibular fractures, followed by falls and road traffic accidents. The incidence of falls in the <16 year age group was higher than expected. The angle was the most common fracture site (34.8%) and 51.7% patients experienced multiple fractures. The mean hospitalization time was 7.34+/-9.02 days. 55% of patients required Kirschner wire osteosynthesis, open reduction with miniplate osteosynthesis or a combination of both methods.