title: Timing for repair of mandible fractures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Timing for repair of mandible fractures is a significant factor with regard to the rate of complication.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Barker
authors.forename: Kenneth K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Oo
authors.forename: Amir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Allak
authors.forename: Stephen S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult