Airway Obstruction After Bilateral Mandibular Parasymphyseal Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract

Bilateral mandibular parasymphyseal fractures may compromise airway maintenance. The aim of the present study is to report the case of a patient with bilateral parasymphyseal fracture who developed some degree of airway obstruction and required urgent surgical treatment. A 19-year-old female motorcycle accident victim presenting bilateral mandibular parasymphyseal fractures evolved with difficulty breathing, 5 hours after trauma. To improve the patient’s clinical condition, urgent surgical treatment 12 hours after the trauma was opted. The fractures were fixed with two 2.0-mm plate and screw systems at each fractured site. After surgery, the patient evolved with good oxygen saturation and no difficulty in breathing. Occlusion obtained during surgery remained satisfactory and stable over the 2-year postoperative follow-up. Emergency surgical treatment of the bilateral mandibular parasymphyseal fracture was imperative in the present case since the patient developed respiratory distress after the trauma.