RESUMO
This article reviews cases of mandibular fractures treated at the Service of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Hospital Complex of Mandaqui (SUS/SP), which is a reference hospital complex for trauma in the northern area of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Ninety-eight patients with mandibular fractures were seen at the hospital between January and December, 2001. Out of this total, 91 cases whose files were deemed adequate in terms of data accuracy and completeness were reviewed. The following data were collected for the study: age, gender, etiology, anatomical fracture site, treatment modality, relation to other facial bone fractures, hospitalization time and posttrauma complications. Motorcycle accident was the major cause of mandibular fractures followed by physical aggression and height fall. The mandibular anatomical sites of higher fracture incidence were: body, symphysis and condyle. The most commonly performed treatment modes were conservative approach or open reduction and intraosseous fixation. In conclusion, motorcycle accidents were associated with a larger number of facial fractures and most predominantly affect 21-30 year-old males. On the average, motor vehicle accident victims had more (and more severe) fractures than physical aggression victims. Complications were mostly associated with angle fractures and hospitalization period. Polytraumatized patients presented greater morbidity for complications.