A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON OPEN AND CLOSED TREATMENT OF EDENTULOUS MANDIBULAR FRACTURES.

Abstract

Background And Objectives: The loss of bone mass and decreased vascularity decreases the strength of mandible and makes it vulnerable to fracture. Elderly persons with atrophic mandible have less osteogenic capability and reduced blood ow, and may have a complex medical history, so that management of a fracture of the mandible may require special considerations. An ideal treatment for these mostly geriatric patients is absolutely essential. In this context this particular study is being undertaken to compare with the two available treatment modalities open and closed reduction and to do an analysis to nd out which one will be a suitable technique for treatment. Method: This study involved 30 patients with edentulous mandibular fractures in which 15 patients for open reduction and 15 patients for closed reduction were selected. All the patients selected for the study were followed up postoperatively for a minimum period of 6 months. Postoperative assessment for pain, swelling, mobility of fracture segment, signs of Infections and radiographic assessment of fracture ends were done on the rst, third and sixth month respectively. Result: Postoperative assessment for pain, swelling, mobility of fracture segment, signs of Infections and radiographic assessment of fracture ends were done on the rst, third and sixth month showed no signicant differences. The results and observations from the study suggest us that there was no signicant difference between both methods on fracture healing.