A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTRE (OSMANIA GENERAL HOSPITAL )

Background:- The fractures of mandible is one of the most common cases encountered by any plastic surgeon. These fractures lead to malocclusion of dentition making surgical management essential. The prominent position of mandible renders it susceptible to trauma. Major injuries due to high energy impact, especially high speed two wheeler accidents & together with not wearing of proper protective equipment, requires multi-disciplinary team approach, as they involve multiple facial bone fractures , and are real burden to plastic surgeons. Mandibular fractures are often associated with fractures of maxilla, nasal bones, zygoma, in high energy impact injuries. In this study, epidemiological parameters like drunken driving, habits like wearing helmets while driving, age, sex, etiology, management & complications have been studied. Materials & Methods:- Study Design: This is a prospective ,observational , hospital based study conducted on 40 patients. Study Period: From may 2023 to October 2023. Duration of study : 6 months. Source Of Data: 40 patients who underwent surgery for fracture mandible admitted in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in osmania general hospital. A prospective, hospital based observational study involving observation of patients from admission to nal outcome of management at discharge & follow up for 6 weeks. Results: In this departmental study , out of 40 patients 37 patients were males & 03 patients were females. Majority of patients age group was in the range of 31 to 40 years. Road trafc accidents (RTA) was the most common cause of mandibular fractures. Pain was the most common symptom complained by patients & malocclusion was the most common sign noticed by doctors. Parasymphysial fractures was the most common fracture noticed, treated by open reduction & internal xation (ORIF). RTA is the leading cause of mandibular fractures. Drunken dri Conclusions: ving & not wearing helmets are major contributing factors in causing mandibular fractures. Domestic violence is the leading cause of mandibular fractures in females. Mandibular fractures are common in males. Open Reduction Internal Fixation + Arch Bar + Maxillary Mandibular Fixation , was the mainstay of treatment with good healing & achieving class 1 occlusion with least complications.