Timing for repair of mandible fractures.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Timing for repair of mandible fractures is a significant factor with regard to the rate of complication.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of the previous 5 years (January 2005-January 2010).

METHODS

All patients undergoing mandible fracture fixation performed in the study period and having complete records were analyzed (n = 83). Patients were stratified by time to fixation following initial injury. Subjects were then separated by the presence or absence of any of the following complications: infection, malunion, and nonunion. Logistical regression was then performed.

RESULTS

Out of 83 patients there were 4 patients with six complications including malunion (n = 4) and infection (n = 2). There were no cases of nonunion. Delay in surgical intervention did not influence the complication rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications from repair of mandible fractures are rare; it is difficult to detect significant variables that may impact outcomes. We found no relationship between complications and timing to repair.