Treatment of the fractured edentulous mandible.

Fifty-three cases of fractures of edentulous mandibles were reviewed and analyzed. Thirty-three cases were sufficiently documented to assess the entire treatment course. Two nonunions were identified. Major factors contributing to the difficulty of repair of fractures include the location of the fracture, the height of the horizontal ramus, and the patient's systemic condition. Closed reduction of fractures of atrophic mandibular bodies is advocated. Although anatomical alignment may not be achieved by this approach, it may preclude nonunion and a prolonged clinical course.