Pathological fractures of the mandible: A report of ten cases and a review of the literature

Abstract

Pathological fractures of the mandible are rare. They account for approximately 2% of all mandibular fractures. The main purpose of the study is to report our experience concerning this condition and to analyse data and review the literature avail- able. Material and methods: This study reviewed retrospectively the records of patients who presented to the department of Plastic and Maxillofacial sur- gery between 2000 and 2008 with a pathological fracture of the mandible. The collected data included age, sex, mechanism of injury, aetiology, anatomic site of fracture, treatment and complications. Results: There were 10 patients with an average age of 48 years and 10 months. There were three cases of frac- ture due to a local malignancy, two cases of osteora-dionecrosis, two cases of mandibular cysts, one pa- tient presenting a mandibular histiocytosis, one pa- tient with a metastatic carcinoma (Thyroid), and one case related to mandibular atrophy. Most common mechanisms of injury were chewing and falls. Patho- logical fractures were often located in the body of the mandible. A surgical approach was performed in most cases. Conclusion: Surgical management of pa- thological fractures of the mandible depends largely on the aetiology. Complications occur more often be- cause of local condition and bad oral hygiene.