Analysis of mandibular fractures: A 7-year retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Mandibular fractures contribute to a substantial proportion worldwide. Various variables related to mandibular fractures such as demographics, etiology, pattern of fracture, and treatment have been studied, but fewer reports on their correlations are published. Hence, this study attempts to understand these factors which can be useful for setting up clinical and research priorities. AIM: The purpose of this retrospective study is to establish a correlation between different factors associated with mandibular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A database of 277 patients between July 2011 and October 2018 with mandibular fractures was retrospectively retrieved. Information on age, gender, etiology, pattern of fracture, and treatment done was obtained, tabulated, and analyzed statistically. Entities such as age and gender, age and cause, gender and cause, site of fracture and cause, site of fracture and side, site of fracture and treatment done, and site of fracture and gender were correlated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive and analytical statistics were calculated using the SPSS version 20 using Chi-square tests which include Pearson's Chi-square and likelihood ratio. CONCLUSION: A definite correlation between multitude of overlooked relevant co-factors has been studied which can provide an operating surgeon, a valuable impetus to be more vigilant in terms of medicolegal record maintenance, diagnosis, and possible clinical strategy for the treatment of mandibular fractures.