The relationship between the mechanism of injury and mandibular fractures

Abstract

This prospective study describes the mechanism of injury, patient demographics and clinical presentation of 100 consecutive patients encountered in the patient population served by the Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. To determine the demographics, presentation and mechanism of injury of patients presenting with mandibular fractures in the patient population served by Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. Seventy percent of mandibular fractures were secondary to assault. Although this was high in comparison to other studies, it was similar to studies performed in London and other regions of South Africa. Mandibular fractures resulting from MVA (motor vehicle accidents), falls and sports were found to be less than the norm. The high percentage of mandibular fractures due to assault concurs with similar studies previously conducted in South Africa. With some variables similar to international trends, while others are not; certain salient results highlight the need for interventional campaigns.