Fractures of the mandibular coronoid process: a two centres study.

The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of patients with coronoid fractures treated in two European centres over 10 years and to briefly review the literature. This study is based on 2 systematic computer-assisted databases that have continuously recorded patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures and surgically treated in two European centres between 2001 and 2010. During the 10 years, 1818 patients and 523 patients with maxillofacial fractures were admitted to the two centres respectively: 21 patients (16 males, 5 females) were admitted with 21 coronoid fractures and 28 associated maxillofacial fractures. A mean age of 42.1 years was observed. The fractures were mainly the result of motor vehicle accidents, followed by assaults and falls. The most frequently observed associated maxillofacial fracture was a zygomatic fracture (13 fractures). In both centres, mandibular coronoid fractures are treated unless a severe dislocation of the fractured coronoid is observed or a functional mandibular impairment is encountered. Conservative treatment can be used, together with the open reduction and internal fixation of associated fractures. The crucial point is to prevent ankylosis, which may be prevented by correct and early postoperative physiotherapy and mandibular function.