Mandibular Fractures

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This is the fracture of the lower jaw . This can either be opened or close fractures.

Causes

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Assaults
• Sports-related injuries
• Falls

Signs and symptoms

• Bleeding from the mouth
• Ecchymosis
• Bone discontinuity
• Step deformity
• Swelling
• Improperly aligned teeth
• Decreased ability to open the mouth
• Pain
• Speech difficulty

Investigations    

• Physical examination
• X-ray
• CT scan

Treatment objectives

• Reduce and fix fractured bone
• Relieve pain
• Prevent infection

Non-pharmacological treatment

• Reduction and fixation of fracture

Pharmacological treatment

• Pain medications reference (WHO pain ladder for further treatment)
• Anti-tetanus.
• Antibiotics if suspected bacterial infection. (Ampicillins, Amoxicillins plus Metronidazole)

Referral

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeon for unstable fractures.