Traumatic Brain Injury in Patients With Mandibular Fractures.

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) associated with facial fractures is a major public health concern worldwide. The rate of TBI in patients with mandibular fractures ranges from 21.3% to 39.6%. However, the risk factors for TBI in patients with mandibular fractures remain unknown. Our study evaluates these risk factors.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who presented with traumatic mandibular fractures in 2018 and 2019. Excluded were patients with no documentation of Glasgow Coma Scale. Our primary outcomes were: (1) prevalence of concomitant TBI on presentation defined as having a positive head computed tomography scan (hemorrhage, parenchymal contusion, diffuse axonal injury), or a negative scan with Glasgow Coma Scale < 15 or any neurologic symptom/sign; (2) prevalence of posttraumatic neurologic symptoms assessed at ≥4 weeks after injury. The mandibular injury severity score (MISS) was calculated for all patients. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed.

RESULTS

Of 390 patients with mandibular fractures, 165 (42.3%) had concomitant TBI on presentation. Of those, 61% (n = 101) had mild TBI, 12% (n = 20) had moderate TBI, and 27% (n = 44) had severe TBI. Almost half of the mandibular fractures were due to assault (182 [47%]). Older age at injury and the presence of other facial fractures were associated with significantly greater odds of TBI on presentation (adjusted odds ratio 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.016 [1.001-1.032], P = 0.040; 2.457 [1.551-3.891], P < 0.001). Of 195 patients who were assessed at ≥4 weeks after injury, 99 (51%) had neurologic symptoms, most commonly facial numbness (74 [38%]). Mandibular body fracture and a high MISS were associated with significantly greater odds of having neurologic sequelae at ≥4 weeks after injury (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] 3.12 [1.31-7.50], 1.12 [1.04-1.20]).

CONCLUSIONS

Older patients and those with mandibular body fractures and a high MISS may benefit from TBI screening and close longitudinal follow-up to identify and manage neurologic sequelae.