[Fractures of the atrophic mandible--our experience at Tel-Aviv Medical Center].
Fractures of the atrophic edentulous mandible are relatively uncommon. The treatment poses a real challenge due to the underlying medical condition of the geriatric population affected. The complication rate such as infection or malunion is higher compared to fractures in younger patients. Twenty-three cases of fractures of edentulous mandible were reviewed and analyzed.


CONCLUSIONS
The geriatric maxillofacial trauma patients can be treated with open reduction and rigid fixation which allows a quick return to normal function. The conservative approach "close reduction with Gunning-type splints is still an adequate mode of treatment in clinical settings where a more aggressive surgical approach is contraindicated.
Shlomi
Benjamin
B
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unite, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv University, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Israel.
Levy
Yaacov
Y
Kahan
Adi
A
Horowitz
Isac
I
D000058:Accidental Falls; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001284:Atrophy; D006801:Humans; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D010516:Periodontal Splints