Abstract

SERENA GOMEZ, E.  and  PASSERI, L.A.. Factors relevant to mandibular fracture complications: A 5-year experience. Rev Esp Cirug Oral y Maxilofac [online]. 2009, vol.31, n.2, pp.109-117. ISSN 2173-9161.

Objective: This study was made to determine the factors relevant to postoperative complications in patients treated for mandibular fracture. Study design: The study was based on the medical records of patients seen in a five-year period at the Area of Bucco-Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Traumatology, School of Odontology of Piracicaba, UNICAMP, Brazil. The relevant patient information collected was: age, gender, occupation, substance abuse, etiology of injury, time to treatment, type of mandibular fracture, postoperative complications, and treatment of complications. Results: A total of 472 patients had mandibular fractures, of which 54 (11.4%) developed a postoperative complication of treatment. In the group of patients with postoperative complications, men predominated with 44 patients and the mean age was 29.3 years. In this group, 35.2% of patients did not have an economically remunerated occupation and 33 (61%) reported substance abuse. Physical assault was the most common cause of mandibular fracture (35.1%). Multiple mandibular fractures were present in 34 patients (62.9%). Infection occurred in 32 patients (59.2%). Hospital treatment of the complication was necessary in 30 patients (55.5%). Conclusions: Occupational status and time to treatment of mandibular fractures were not significant factors in the development of postoperative complications. However, the severity of the injury and type of fracture were influential, as well as substance abuse, which showed a strong relation with the occurrence of complications.

Keywords : Complication; Mandibular fracture; Substance abuse; Infection.

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