Surgical and conservative treatment of mandibular fractures. A follow-up study.

During 1970-1973 a total of 57 patients with mandibular fractures were treated at the Ear Department of the University of Turku Central Hospital in conjunction with the Department of Oral Surgery. The average age of patients was 31 years. Below-the-jaw strapping was used as the only means of immobilization in nine cases. Eight of these nine cases involved only a fracture of the condylar process and one was also a corpus mandibulae fracture. Metal wire osteosynthesis was used with 44 patients and osteosynthesis plates were used with two patients. A Guinning slint was prepared in 10 cases and immobilization was augmented with intermaxillary fixation in 40 cases. 36-50 months (average 40 months) after fracture the patients were requested to come to a follow-up examination; 40 patients (70%) came to the examination. In conjunction with the follow-up examination 32 patients (80%) stated that they were satisfied with the results of treatment. Sensation disturbances in the lower lip, clicking in the temporomandibular joint during movement, and occasional tenderness were reasons for dissatisfaction.