Complicated late mandibular fracture following third molar removal

Quintessence Int. 2007 Jan;38(1):63-5.

Abstract

Mandibular fractures are a rare complication after third molar removal. Symptoms show a wide variance. Treatment options range from prescription of a soft diet to surgical treatment by open reduction and internal fixation. This article describes a patient who presented a late mandibular fracture following third molar removal. The fracture was not detectable in radiographs at the time of fracture. Six weeks after the reported cracking noise, the patient presented a mandibular fracture with associated osteomyelitis. Treatment by open reduction and internal fixation and autologous iliac crest graft was performed via a submandibular approach. The delayed diagnosis of this pathologic fracture demonstrates the necessity of repeated radiologic controls to prevent osteomyelitis when a fracture is suspected.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Plates
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / etiology*
  • Fractures, Spontaneous / surgery
  • Humans
  • Jaw Fixation Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Male
  • Mandibular Diseases / etiology
  • Mandibular Fractures / complications
  • Mandibular Fractures / etiology*
  • Mandibular Fractures / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Molar, Third / surgery*
  • Osteomyelitis / etiology
  • Tooth Extraction / adverse effects*