Incidence and patterns of mandibular condyle fractures.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the epidemiologic characteristics of the prevalence, type, and treatment modalities of condylar fractures of the mandible.


METHODS
Data were collected from patients during an 8-year period (1999 to 2007). The data recorded included demographic data, etiology, diagnosis, type, dislocation, use of protective devices, state of the dentition, associated facial and general trauma, soft tissue lesions, treatment methods, and the interval between trauma and treatment. Data analysis included a descriptive analysis, chi(2) test, Fisher's exact test, t test, and Kruskal-Wallis test.


RESULTS
During the 8-year period, 209 unilateral fractures and 54 bilateral fractures were treated, with a male/female ratio of 3.05:1 and a mean age of 28.4 years, for a total of 317 condylar fractures. Male gender was significantly associated with the presence of a condylar fracture (P < .05). The most common cause of condylar fractures was road traffic accidents (57.8%). Of the 317 fractures, 300 were classified as simple fractures, and 249 fractures were not displaced. Protective devices significantly decreased the number of condylar fractures occurring from road traffic accidents (P < .05). Symphysis fractures were significantly associated with both unilateral and bilateral fractures of the mandibular condyle (P < .05). Subcondylar displaced fractures were significantly associated with surgical treatment (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Young adults were involved in most of the accidents. Road traffic accidents were the main cause of condylar fractures. The mandatory use of safety helmets and seatbelts and education of those using the road are essential to decrease the number of facial fractures.
Sawazaki
Renato
R
Department of Oral Diagnosis, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Division, State University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil.
Lima Júnior
Sergio Monteiro
SM
Asprino
Luciana
L
Moreira
Roger Willian Fernandes
RW
de Moraes
Márcio
M
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001642:Bicycling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006260:Head Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012622:Seat Belts / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012744:Sex Ratio; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D055815:Young Adult