FRACTURE OF COLLUM MANDIBULAE. A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS FROM COPENHAGEN REGION INTRODUCTION – Mandibular condyle fractures are among the most frequent fractures of the mandible accounting for 18.4-42 % of cases reported in the literature. The etiology of mandibular fractures in a population is multifactorial and varies among on differences in socioeconomic status, geographical location, population density and culture.
MATERIAL AND METHODS – Retrospective analysis of consecutive treated patients with isolated mandibular condyle fractures in the period from 2011-2015. Demographic data such as the month of the injury, age, sex and etiology were collected.
RESULTS – 398 patients with 481 mandibular condyle fractures were reviewed. In total 314 (79%) patients had unilateral fractures and 84 (21%) had bilateral fractures. The average age was 47.7 years, and the male to female ratio was 1.23:1. The leading causes of mandibular condyle fracture were falls (42.7%), followed by bicycle accidents (32.4%), and violence (15.8%). Females had a significantly higher risk of incurring fractures due to bicycle accidents (P = 0.00465) while males had a significantly higher risk of sustaining a fracture caused by violence (P = 1.364*10–10).
CONCLUSION – Although the sex distribution showed a significantly higher occurrence of fractures in the male group, the ratio seems to be equalizing over time. Furthermore, aetiologies involving a considerable force (falls and bicycle accidents) resulted in an increased risk of bilateral fractures compared to aetiologies with less force (interpersonal violence).