Unusual longitudinal fracture of coronoid process of mandible: A case report

Introduction: Though fractures of the mandible are relatively common injuries, the coronoid process fractures have extremely rare occurance. Reports of longitudinal fracture of the coronoid process of the mandible are very rare. On literature search, only two previously reported cases of such type of fracture were found. Case Report: We report a very rarely occurring longitudinal fracture of the coronoid process. The clinical features, diagnosis, mechanism of fracture and treatment modalities are discussed along with comprehensive review of literature. Conclusion: Though the incidence of longitudinal fracture of the coronoid process of mandible is very rare, its diagnosis is of atmost importance. When such fracture occurs in association with fracture of zygomatic bone or condylar process of the mandible we strongly advocate vigerous mobilization of the mandible after a short period of intermaxillary fixation to avoid post operative complications like diminished mouth opening, trismus and ankylosis.