Mandibular Fracture Distribution by Anatomical Location
The provided evidence does not contain specific data from Schwartz regarding mandibular fracture incidence by anatomical location. However, I can provide the most current and comprehensive epidemiological data from the available high-quality sources.
Fracture Distribution Pattern
Based on contemporary epidemiological data, mandibular fractures most commonly occur at the angle (30%), followed by parasymphysis (27%), and condyle (27%), though this distribution varies significantly by mechanism of injury. 1
Primary Distribution Data
The most robust recent data from a large urban teaching hospital study (1,261 patients with 1,994 fractures) demonstrates the following distribution: 1
- Angle: 30% - Most common overall site
- Parasymphysis: 27% - Second most common
- Condyle: 27% - Nearly equal to parasymphysis
- Body: Variable (3.8-14.3%) - Depends on population studied 2, 3
- Symphysis: 13.24% 2
- Ramus: 2.09-10% - Least common site 2, 4
Mechanism-Specific Patterns
The anatomical distribution shifts dramatically based on injury mechanism: 1
- Interpersonal violence → Angle fractures predominate (36%)
- Motor vehicle accidents → Condylar fractures increase (28%)
- Falls → Condylar fractures markedly increase (53%)
Regional Variations
Different geographic regions show distinct patterns: 3
- Central Taiwan data: Symphysis/parasymphysis regions (38.9%) were most common, followed by condyle (26.0%), angle (14.3%), body (14.3%), and ramus (6.6%)
- This variation reflects helmet use patterns and injury mechanisms specific to that population
Critical Clinical Consideration
Remember that 67% of mandibular fractures occur in pairs due to the U-shaped ring configuration of the mandible. 5, 6 The most common paired pattern is mandibular angle or subcondylar fracture with contralateral parasymphyseal fracture. 5