Broken Jaw
- Broken Jaw Overview
- Broken Jaw Causes
- Broken Jaw Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
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Broken Jaw Overview
A broken jaw (or mandibular fracture) is a common facial injury. Only the nose is broken more frequently. A broken jaw is the tenth most common fractured bone in the human body. Fractures (these are breaks in the bone) are generally the result of a direct force or trauma to the jawbone.
- The jawbone, or mandible, is the largest and main bone of the lower part of the face. The chief areas of the mandible bone are the body (chin out to the jaw angle) and the 2 upward branches, called the rami.
- Men are about 3 times more likely than women to sustain a broken jaw. Those aged 20-29 years are the most common group affected.
Next: Broken Jaw Causes »
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Broken Jaw
Facial Fracture Overview
A fracture is a broken bone. Facial fracture refers to any injury that results in a broken bone or bones of the face.
Facial Fracture Causes
Many situations can cause facial fractures. Motor vehicle crashes, sporting injuries, falls, and assault account for the majority, although injuries from gunshot wounds and stabbings occur as well.
Always be concerned about other injuries with facial fractures. In particular, other parts of the body may be injured, for example, if you have facial injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Facial Fracture Symptoms
- Although certain symptoms are specific for the bone fractured, some symptoms are common to any fractured bone. But remember that these symptoms may indicate a soft tissue injury (without a broken bone).
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Broke...
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Facial Trauma, Mandibular Fractures »
The first description of mandible fractures was as early as 1650 BC, when an Egyptian papyrus described the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of mandible fractures.
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