Prevalence of Mandibular Fractures among Maxillofacial Trauma in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Kerala, India - a Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION

The mandible is frequently involved in maxillofacial trauma because of its prominent and vulnerable anatomical position. The present study aimed to determine the distribution and aetiological factors of mandibular fractures among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala, India.

METHODS

This was an observational cross-sectional study which included 81 subjects with mandibular fractures out of 441 patients who had been screened for maxillofacial trauma. Data on demographic characteristics, aetiology of trauma, fracture site, alcohol consumption and road traffic accident characteristics were collected and analysed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data and chi-square tests assessed associations between aetiology or helmet use and fracture site. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Road traffic accidents were the predominant cause of mandibular fractures, accounting for 63 of 81 cases (77.8%), followed by accidental falls (9.9%), assault (6.2%), sports injuries (2.5%) and other causes (3.7%). The largest proportion of patients belonged to the 18-35-year age group (48.1%) and males constituted 97.5% of the analysed sample. Subcondylar and condylar fractures were the most common anatomical sites (39.5%), followed by parasymphysis and body fractures (38.3%). Among all RTA-related cases, helmet use was low (17.5%) and alcohol consumption before injury was reported by 39.5% of the study population. Helmet use was not significantly associated with fracture site (χ²=5.36, p=0.147), whereas aetiology was significantly associated with fracture site (χ²=48.15, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Of the 441 cases of maxillofacial trauma screened in our centre during the study period, 81 mandibular fracture cases were analysed. Mandibular fractures were predominantly related to road traffic accidents, with young adult males forming the most affected group. Improved road safety enforcement, promotion of helmet usage and public awareness regarding alcohol-related injury risk are likely to reduce the burden and severity of mandibular trauma.