Posttraumatic mandibular deformities

In covering the Emergency Department, the Plastic Surgeon can be faced with the mandibular fracture patient. Although the timely repair of the fracture usually leads to normal function and appearance, occasionally the surgeon is faced with the untoward sequelae of the mandible fracture. Post-traumatic mandibular deformities include non-union, malunion, malocclusion, TMJ dysfuction, and facial asymmetry. The difficulty in treatment of these deformities can be compounded by edentulous mandibles, substance abuse, and approach controversies such as the timing of the repair and surgical versus non-surgical management. Knowledge of the post-traumatic mandibular deformities by the treating physician not only assists in their management but may also allow for their prevention.