[Mandibular fractures. Retrospective study of the experience of the Department of Maxillo-facial Surgery and Stomatology of the University of Poitiers Medical Center from 1978 to 1997].

Orthopedic or surgical repair is proposed for mandibular fractures, depending on schools and experience. We reviewed retrospectively 632 cases of mandibular fracture treated at the Poitiers University department of maxillofacial surgery between 1978 and 1997 to assess methods and outcome. We performed a global analysis and compared certain localizations with statistical tests. Different therapeutic protocols were used. The rate of complication was greater, for an equivalent initial lesion, with surgical compared with medical treatment. This was particularly true for fractures involving the jaw angle. There was no significant correlation between trauma-induced malocclusions and orthopedic or surgical preferences of the operators. Surgery did not lead to more sequelae than other techniques but did require a rigorous technique and surgical experience to limit complications. Joint fractures were associated with a high rate of complications, whatever the therapeutic method.