Classifications of Mandibular Fractures
This section aims to give an insight into some key features which aid in the classification of fractures of the mandible. There are two main ways that fractures are classified: by the anatomical location of the fracture on the bone and by the morphological features of the fracture.
Anatomical Location
Anatomical location is one of the two ways that fractures are classified. The above model shows the different locations that fractures can occur on the mandible following trauma.
Incomplete
Incomplete fractures are fractures that do not completely break the bone into separate pieces.
One type of an incomplete fracture is a bone bruise. Bone Bruises are a type of traumatic injury similar to a stress fracture, where it will most likely heal on its own, but should be carefully watched. This injury causes blood and fluid to accumulate in and around the bone. [1]
Greenstick fractures are a type of incomplete fracture where the bone bends and cracks instead of breaking into pieces. These typically occur in smaller children as their bones are more pliable and prone to bending rather than breaking. [2]
Vertical fractures are a type of incomplete fractures where the fracture occurs along the long axis of the bone. This type of fracture usually forms as a result of compressive force on the bone. [3]
One type of an incomplete fracture is a bone bruise. Bone Bruises are a type of traumatic injury similar to a stress fracture, where it will most likely heal on its own, but should be carefully watched. This injury causes blood and fluid to accumulate in and around the bone. [1]
Greenstick fractures are a type of incomplete fracture where the bone bends and cracks instead of breaking into pieces. These typically occur in smaller children as their bones are more pliable and prone to bending rather than breaking. [2]
Vertical fractures are a type of incomplete fractures where the fracture occurs along the long axis of the bone. This type of fracture usually forms as a result of compressive force on the bone. [3]
Complete
A complete fracture is a fracture that breaks the bone fully into separate pieces.
Simple complete fractures are fractures that result in only 2 pieces of bone following the trauma.
Simple transverse complete fractures occur when the bone is broken perpendicular to its length. These usually occur in the long bones following trauma like a fall or accident. [1]
Simple oblique complete fractures occur when the bone is broken at an angle that is not perpendicular to the bone’s length. This type of fracture normally occurs in the long bones of the body. [2]
Comminuted fractures are a type of complete fracture resulting in more than 2 pieces of bone. This type of fracture usually occurs following a severe trauma such as a car accident. [3]
Simple complete fractures are fractures that result in only 2 pieces of bone following the trauma.
Simple transverse complete fractures occur when the bone is broken perpendicular to its length. These usually occur in the long bones following trauma like a fall or accident. [1]
Simple oblique complete fractures occur when the bone is broken at an angle that is not perpendicular to the bone’s length. This type of fracture normally occurs in the long bones of the body. [2]
Comminuted fractures are a type of complete fracture resulting in more than 2 pieces of bone. This type of fracture usually occurs following a severe trauma such as a car accident. [3]