Mandibular fracture

A break in the mandible, the lower jawbone, caused by trauma or weakened bone. It can disrupt the bite, jaw movement, and alignment of the teeth.

Mandible: The U-shaped lower jawbone that holds the lower teeth and forms the movable part of the jaw. Its anatomy determines where fractures occur and which structures may be affected.
Computed tomography: An imaging method that uses X-rays and computer processing to create cross-sectional views of the body. CT scans show fracture location, displacement, and complexity in detail.
Temporomandibular joint: The joint connecting the mandible to the skull, allowing the jaw to move. Fractures near the mandibular condyle can impair this joint's movement.
Mandibular dislocation: Displacement of the mandibular condyle from its normal position in the temporomandibular joint. It can prevent jaw closure like a fracture, but involves joint displacement rather than a broken bone.
Occlusion: The contact relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the jaws close. A changed bite is a key sign that a fracture has displaced the jaw.
Panoramic radiograph: A dental X-ray image showing the upper and lower jaws and teeth in a single curved view. It can reveal mandibular fractures and associated dental injuries.
Mandibular foramen: An opening on the inner surface of the mandibular ramus through which the inferior alveolar nerve enters. Its position helps explain nerve symptoms from fractures of the ramus.
Alveolar process fracture: A break in the tooth-bearing part of the jaw that supports the dental sockets. It may accompany a mandibular fracture but can be limited to the tooth-bearing segment.
Condylar fracture: A fracture involving the condylar process of the mandible, near the jaw joint. This common fracture site can restrict opening and alter jaw alignment.
Closed reduction: Realignment of a fracture without surgically exposing the broken bone. Selected mandibular fractures can be stabilized without open surgery.

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Oral and maxillofacial surgeryBroader topic: Maxillofacial surgeons restore alignment and function in many jaw fractures.