Trauma exerted onto the head and neck region can cause a fracture to any of the bones. The lower jaw, or the mandible, is particularly prone to fracture. In this article we will discuss some of the aspects related to fracture of the lower jaw (mandibular fracture).

CAUSES OF JAW FRACTURE (upper or lower):

• Accidents: Motor-vehicle accidents (MVA), sports injuries, occupational (accidents that occur during work)
• Falls (eg, falling down the stairs, slipping on a slippery floor)
• Assault and fights
• Pathological– a pathology such as tumours or cysts in the jaw bone can cause thinning of the bone or decrease in density of the bone, ultimately leading to fracture of bone in that region, even when a light external force is applied to the bone. Continue reading →