Spontaneous fracture of the genial tubercles of the mandible: A case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To present a case of spontaneous fracture of the genial tubercles of the mandible and a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Resorption of the mandible is well documented in edentulous patients. During this process, the genial tubercles, origin for both genioglossus and geniohyoid muscles, become more prominent and prone to trauma especially from poorly fitted lower full dentures and lead to fracture and separation of the genial tubercles from the mandible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An 85 year old patient with the above presentation was monitored and documented to present this case report. A literature search was carried out to identify any previous reports of this type of fracture, and their diagnosis and treatment modalities.

RESULTS

This case is extremely rare with only 17 cases reported in the literature.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, fractured genial tubercles should be considered in the differential diagnosis for a painful swelling in the floor of the mouth in the edentulous patient.