The influence of wisdom tooth impaction and occlusal support on mandibular angle and condyle fractures.

This study aimed to analyze the relationship of the occlusal support together with the lower third molars to the mandibular fractures of the angle and condyle among patients in our medical institutions. This was a retrospective study that reviewed the medical records and radiographs of all patients treated for mandibular fractures from 2015 to 2019. The data collected by using picture archiving and communicating system. Only records with mandibular angle or condyle fractures were included. The dependent variable was the presence of the fractures of the mandibular angle or condyle. The independent variables were epidemiological data, third molar characteristics, existence or absence of occlusal support. The data was analyzed through Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression. From a total of 187 mandibular fractures, 44 presented mandibular angle fracture and 29 shown condyle fractures. The average age was 40.34 ± 13.47 years. The absence of occlusal support increased the chance of condyle fractures by 5.1 times (95% CI 1.61-17.29). The lack of occlusal support is more associated with condyle fractures than the presence of occlusal support, regardless of third molar presence and characteristics and other variables evaluated.

Maxillofacial trauma in children: Association between age and mandibular fracture site.

PURPOSE: To describe the association between age and location of facial fractures in the pediatric population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) from the 2016 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) in children aged ≤18 years was conducted. International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes were used to extract facial fracture diagnoses. Logistic regression was used to evaluate and compare the contribution of various demographic factors among patients who had different types of facial fractures. RESULTS: A total of 5568 admitted patients were identified who sustained any type of facial bone fracture. Patients who had facial fractures were significantly more likely to be male (68.2% versus 31.8%; p<0.001) and were older with a mean age of 12.86 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 12.72-12.99). Approximately one-third of patients with a facial fracture had a concomitant skull base or vault fracture. Maxillary fractures were seen in 30.9% of the cohort while mandibular fractures occurred in 36.9% of patients. The most common mandibular fracture site was the symphysis (N=574, 27.9% of all mandibular fractures). Condylar fractures were more common in younger children while angle fractures were more common in teenagers. Regression analysis found that age was the only significant contributor to the presence of a mandibular fracture (ß=0.027, p<0.001) and race was the only significant contributor to maxillary fractures (ß=-0.090, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Facial fractures increase in frequency with increasing age in children. The mandible was the most commonly fractured facial bone, with an age-related pattern in fracture location.

High resolution MRI for quantitative assessment of inferior alveolar nerve impairment in course of mandible fractures: an imaging feasibility study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for direct visualization of the inferior alveolar nerve in the setting of mandibular fractures. Fifteen patients suffering from unilateral mandible fractures involving the inferior alveolar nerve (15 affected IAN and 15 unaffected IAN from contralateral side) were examined on a 3 T scanner (Elition, Philips Healthcare, Best, the Netherlands) and compared with 15 healthy volunteers (30 IAN in total). The sequence protocol consisted of a 3D STIR, 3D DESS and 3D T1 FFE sequence. Apparent nerve-muscle contrast-to-noise ratio (aNMCNR), apparent signal-to-noise ratio (aSNR), nerve diameter and fracture dislocation were evaluated by two radiologists and correlated with nerve impairment. Furthermore, dislocation as depicted by MRI was compared to computed tomography (CT) images. Patients with clinically evident nerve impairment showed a significant increase of aNMCNR, aSNR and nerve diameter compared to healthy controls and to the contralateral side (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the T1 FFE sequence allowed dislocation depiction comparable to CT. This prospective study provides a rapid imaging protocol using the 3D STIR and 3D T1 FFE sequence that can directly assess both mandible fractures and IAN damage. In patients with hypoesthesia following mandibular fractures, increased aNMCNR, aSNR and nerve diameter on MRI imaging may help identify patients with a risk of prolonged or permanent hypoesthesia at an early time.

Fractura mandibular tardía post exodoncia de molares inferiores. Caso clínico / Late mandibular fracture after lower third molar extraction: a case report

La extracción del tercer molar es un procedimiento común en cirugía oral. Una de las complicaciones es la fractura mandibular. Con una incidencia postoperatoria menor a un 0.005%. Los factores que contribuyen al riesgo de fractura del ángulo mandibular después de una extracción del tercer molar incluyen el nivel de impactación, la anatomía del diente, infecciones locales previas, edad, sexo, presencia de formaciones quísticas y bruxismo entre otras. Presentamos un caso clínico de fractura mandibular postoperatoria a las cinco semanas tras la exodoncia del 47 y 48 incluidos en posición horizontal. El objetivo final del tratamiento de una fractura mandibular es la consolidación ósea manteniendo la oclusión dental. En nuestro caso, al no tratarse de una fractura que sobrepasaba las corticales y sin desplazamiento mandibular, no fue subsidiaria de un tratamiento quirúrgico y se resolvió con reposo funcional

The lower third molar extraction is a common procedure in oral surgery. One of its complications, although uncommon, is the mandibular fracture. Postoperatively, it has an incidence lower than 0.005%. The factors that may contribute to the risk of the mandibular angle fracture after an extraction of the third molar include the level of impaction are the anatomy of the tooth, previous local infections, age, sex, cysts and bruxism among others. We present a clinical case of postoperative mandibular fracture at five weeks after the extraction of 47 and 48 included in horizontal position. The ultimate treatment goal of a mandibular fracture is to reach a bone consolidation with the premorbid dental occlusion. In our case, as it was not a fracture that surpassed the cortical and there was not a mandibular displacement, it was not need a surgical treatment so it was resolved with functional rest

Assessment of the Role of the Mandibular First Molar Tooth in Mandibular Fracture Patterns of 29 Dogs.

Mandibular fractures at the level of the first molar tooth (M1) were assessed in 29 dogs. Patients included in this study demonstrated fractures involving the M1 tooth, tooth bud, or alveolus (if tooth was absent). Diagnostic imaging evaluation included intraoral dental radiography and/or computed tomography (CT) with 3D reconstruction. The distal root was involved in 55.2% of cases, mesial root involvement in 34.5% of cases, and the tooth was absent in 10.3% of cases. Fractures were described in the rostral-to-caudal direction. Fractures tended to occur in the caudoventral direction ( P = .057). Cases with CT imaging were also evaluated in the buccolingual direction. Fractures were found to occur significantly more frequently in the caudolingual direction ( P = .022). When classifying fracture patterns along M1 according to a previously published fracture classification system, it was noted that fractures occurred significantly more frequently in either the mesial ( P < .001) or distal ( P < .001) roots by coursing along the periodontal ligament space and communicating with the periapical region. Active or nonworsening periodontitis was described as radiographic or tomographic evidence of (>25%) bone loss in the vertical or horizontal direction. Periodontitis was associated with 7 (24.1%) cases. These results help frame the challenges associated with fracture repair at the M1 location. Treatment planning considerations should include limited structural support caudal to fractures involving the distal root, more frequent involvement of the distal root over the mesial root, risk for poor endodontic prognosis, and the predilection for unfavorable fracture patterns to occur.

Genial Tubercle Fracture.

Genial tubercle fracture is a rare mandibular fracture. It is classified into 2 different types based on the mechanism of injury, including type I, associated with an atrophied edentulous mandible or denture, and type II, associated with mandibular fracture. Although type I usually can be treated by only observation, type II may cause obstruction of the pharyngeal airway due to hematoma and edema of the floor of the mouth. In this report, genial tubercle fracture associated with mandibular fracture caused by a traffic accident was reported. Reconstructed 3-dimensional images of the pharyngeal airway indicated that there was almost no airway space around the intratracheal tube at the naso- and oropharynx.

Surgical or conservative treatment for mandibular condyle fractures. / Tratamiento quirúrgico o conservador para fracturas de cóndilo mandibular.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillofacial fractures are associated with significant morbidity, loss of function and aesthetic sequelae, among others. Within mandibular fractures, mandibular condylar fractures are the most frequent. These can be treated by surgical treatment or conservative treatment (orthopedic). METHODS: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified eight systematic reviews including 66 primary studies overall, of which six were randomized trials. We concluded surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures, compared to conservative treatment, is probably associated with less joint pain, less malocclusion and less lateral deviation in buccal opening.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas maxilofaciales se asocian a importante morbilidad, pérdida de función y secuelas estéticas, entre otros. Dentro de las fracturas mandibulares, las fracturas de cóndilo mandibular son las más frecuentes. Estas pueden ser tratadas mediante un tratamiento quirúrgico (reducción abierta más estabilización con miniplacas de titanio) o un tratamiento conservador (ortopédico). MÉTODOS: Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos ocho revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyen 66 estudios primarios, de los cuales, seis corresponden a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que, en comparación con el tratamiento conservador, el tratamiento quirúrgico en fracturas de cóndilo mandibular probablemente se asocia a menor dolor articular, menor maloclusión y menor desviación lateral en apertura bucal.

Incidence and risk factors of the temporomandibular joint disorders in the patients without condylar fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of the temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) in the patients suffering from maxillo-facial injury without condylar fractures. METHODS: sixty patients without condylar fractures were recruited from Feb 2014 to Nov 2015 in the department of stomatology, Lishui people's hospital. The incidence of TMD was recorded at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after injury through MRI examination. The risk factors for TMD were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: the TMD incidence rates were 25.0%, 30.0%, 35.0%, 41.7% and 48.3% at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after injury with no statistical difference between male and female (P>0.05). Logistic regression indicated that disorder of occlusal relationship (OR=1.84,95%CI:1.36-2.78) and hemi-mastication (OR=1.56, 95% CI:1.23- 2.24) were independent risk factors for the development of TMD. CONCLUSION: there was a high incidence of temporomandibular joint disorders in the patients suffering from maxillo-facial injury without condylar fractures. The disorder of occlusal relationship and hemi-mastication were independent risk factors for the development of post-injury TMD.

Clinical Outcomes Between Atrophic and Nonatrophic Mandibular Fracture in Elderly Patients.

The number of elderly patients with mandibular fracture is rapidly increasing. To improve outcome, it is important to understand the age-related characteristics of mandibular fracture. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze the impact of atrophic change on mandibular fracture in elderly patients. The retrospective study was conducted in patients aged ≥65 years old, who underwent surgery for the treatment of mandibular fracture in our hospital from March 2006 until March 2015. Patient characteristics, such as age and gender, causes of injury, anatomic location of fracture, height of mandibular body, extent of atrophy, location of surgical sites, postoperative outcomes, and the follow-up period, were examined. Descriptive statistics were compared between atrophic and nonatrophic mandibles. The patients included 17 males and 12 females and the mean age was 71.9 years old. The average follow-up period was 6.06 months. Regarding occlusion and complications, there were no statistical differences between the atrophic and nonatrophic mandibular fractures. As major complications, nonunion occurred in 2 patients and malunion in 1 patient. There was no mortality associated with anesthesia or surgery. Atrophic and nonatrophic mandibular fractures in elderly patients can be treated successfully with surgery. There was no significant difference with respect to major complications between patients with atrophic and nonatrophic mandibular fractures.

Fractures of the mandibular condyle: A comparison of patients, fractures and treatment characteristics between Groningen (The Netherlands) and Dresden (Germany).

PURPOSE: To explore differences in patient, fracture, accident and treatment characteristics between patients treated for a mandibular condyle fracture in the University Centres of Dresden and Groningen, as an explanation for differences treatment results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients' fracture, accident and treatment characteristics were obtained from the medical records of Dresden and Groningen from January 1, 2008, to August 31, 2011, and were analysed using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In Dresden, compared to Groningen, patients were generally older (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02; 1.05, per year), were more often male (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.48; 4.34) and more often had intracapsular (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.67; 5.22) and low condylar (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.14; 3.04) fractures. In Groningen 98% of patients received closed treatment and in Dresden 42%. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in patients and fractures and treatments were found between both Centres. These differences can partly be explained by the demographics of the cities and differences in imaging techniques (e.g., computed tomography, Orthopantomogram, Towne projection) applied to identify fractures. This study illustrates that differences in diagnosis, treatment and outcome are not only related to the health care system but also to differences in patient characteristics between centres.

Preserving the Fibrous Layer of the Mandibular Condyle Reduces the Risk of Ankylosis in a Sheep Model of Intracapsular Condylar Fracture.

PURPOSE: The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the role of the fibrous layer of the condylar head in the formation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis in a sheep model of intracapsular condylar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six growing Xiao-wei Han sheep were used in the study, and bilateral TMJ surgery was performed in each sheep. In the left TMJ, sagittal fracture of the condyle, removal of the fibrous layer of the condylar head, excision of two thirds of the disc, and removal of the fibrous zone of the glenoid fossa were performed. In the right TMJ, the same surgical management was performed, except that in each sheep, the fibrous layer of the condylar head was preserved. Three sheep were killed humanely at 1 month postoperatively, and the other 3 sheep were killed humanely at 3 months postoperatively. The TMJ complexes were examined by histologic evaluation. RESULTS: Fibrous ankylosis was observed on the left side in 3 sheep at 1 month postoperatively and in 2 of 3 sheep at 3 months postoperatively. Fibro-osseous ankylosis was achieved on the left side in 1 sheep at 3 months postoperatively. In the right TMJ, the main postoperative histologic findings included condylar fracture healing, topical rupture or exfoliation of the fibrous layer of the condyle, and fissure between the fibrous layer and the proliferative zone of the condyle. However, no evidence of ankylosis was observed. The TMJ ankylosis scores on the right side were significantly lower than those on the left side at different time points (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the presence of the fibrous layer of the condylar head prevented the development of TMJ ankylosis in a sheep model of intracapsular condylar fracture.

Relationship between arthroscopic findings of synovitis and levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and matrix metalloproteinases in synovial lavage fluid from patients with unilateral high mandibular condyle fractures.

Arthrocentesis has an effect of washing out inflammatory products that accumulate in the joint compartment of a dysfunctional temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The procedure removes inflammatory cytokines, which are pain-causing substances, for early reduction of TMJ pain and quick recovery of jaw function, thus increasing the possibility of a successful rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between arthroscopy synovitis grade in patients with unilateral high condylar fractures and concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha as well as of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in washed-out synovial fluid (SF) samples obtained from those patients. A total of 26 patients with unilateral high condylar fractures who underwent arthrocentesis for a therapeutic purpose were examined. SF samples were collected before performing arthroscopy to determine synovitis grade. The detection rates and concentrations of TNF-alpha and MMPs were determined, and their association with synovitis grade was analysed. TNF-alpha was detected in 23 and MMP-3 in 22 of the TMJs. There was a correlation between synovitis grade and concentration of TNF-alpha in the fracture group. Furthermore, the concentrations of TNF-alpha and MMP-3 were significantly higher as compared to the control group, comprised of TMJs on the non-fracture side of the same patients, while a correlation was also noted between TNF-alpha concentration and synovitis grade in the fracture group. The present findings may provide a biological/biochemical rationale for arthrocentesis as a reasonable treatment modality for high condylar fractures.

Association between third molar and mandibular angle fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of mandibular angle fracture associated with the presence of a mandibular third molar and its position when the mandibular fracture occurs. METHODS: A systematic literary search was performed in Pubmed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for observational studies with at least 250 patients that included frequency of mandibular angle fracture, presence of third molar, and its position. RESULTS: A total of seven studies were included in the review, from an initial search of 622 titles. The relative risk of mandibular angle fracture with third molar was 1.90 (95% CI = 1.47-2.46). The relative risk of mandibular angle fracture related to third molar position (according to the Pell and Gregory classification) was 1.18 (95% CI = 0.62-2.25), 1.98 (95% CI = 0.95-4.10), 2.72 (95% CI = 1.78-4.16), 1.31 (95% CI = 0.80-2.14), 2.21 (95% CI = 1.69-2.87) and 2.99 (95% CI = 2.12-4.22) for Class A, Class B, Class C, Class I, Class II, and Class III, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis reported a two-fold increased risk of mandibular angle fracture with the presence of a third molar in patients who presented with mandibular fractures. Even the third molar position seemed to influence mandibular angle fracture, especially Class C, Class II, and Class III.

Effects of a single condylar neck fracture without condylar cartilage injury on traumatic heterotopic ossification around the temporomandibular joint in mice.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we tried to explore the effects of a single condylar neck fracture without condylar cartilage injury during the pathogenesis process of traumatic heterotopic ossification around the temporomandibular joint (THO-TMJ). STUDY DESIGN: One-month-old C57 BL/6 J male mice were divided into 2 groups. In group 1, condylar cartilage was partially removed in the right joint to induce THO. In group 2, a single fracture on the condylar neck was created using small scissors. The condylar head was repositioned to its original place if any displacement occurred. The phenotypes were observed using gross observation, micro-computed tomography, and histologic examination. RESULTS: The results showed obvious hyperplasia in the right condyle in group 1, with ectopic bones and cartilage in the periarticular region. In group 2, the surface of condyle was smooth, but the size of the right condylar head became smaller. CONCLUSIONS: Taking these findings together, we concluded that it is condylar cartilage injury, and not a single condylar neck fracture without condylar cartilage injury, that contributes to the development of THO-TMJ.

Correlation Between the Posterior Mandibular Width and the Lingual Gap Caused by Symphyseal Fractures Using a Virtual Model.

PURPOSE: The objective was to determine the dimensional impact, on the occlusal and articular level, of the gap produced in the lingual plate from symphyseal fractures, correlated with the dimensional change in the posterior mandibular width. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an observational experimental study based on 30 computed tomography scans of patients treated by the Maxillofacial Surgery Service, Hospital Clínico Mutual de Seguridad, Santiago, Chile, between 2012 and 2016. The inclusion criteria were jaws without evidence of fractures or pathology, with an absence of orthodontic appliances, and with complete dentition to the first mandibular molar. By use of Digital Dental Service 3-dimensional planning software (DDS-Pro; Digital Dental Service, London, UK), a vertical mandibular fracture was made, leaving lingual gaps of 1, 2, and 3 mm, and the dimensional changes were recorded with regard to the posterior facial width. RESULTS: The mandibular height did not vary with regard to the lingual gap; the mandibular length was inversely proportional to the lingual gap; and the intermolar, intergonial, and intercondylar distances were directly proportional to increases in the lingual gap. CONCLUSIONS: The larger the lingual gap, the shorter the mandibular length and the larger the mandibular transverse dimensions. Special attention must be paid to the occlusal and articular level.

Tratamiento quirúrgico o conservador para fracturas de cóndilo mandibular / Surgical or conservative treatment for mandibular condyle fractures

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fracturas maxilofaciales se asocian a importante morbilidad, pérdida de función y secuelas estéticas, entre otros. Dentro de las fracturas mandibulares, las fracturas de cóndilo mandibular son las más frecuentes. Estas pueden ser tratadas mediante un tratamiento quirúrgico (reducción abierta más estabilización con miniplacas de titanio) o un tratamiento conservador (ortopédico). MÉTODOS: Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el cribado de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos ocho revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyen 66 estudios primarios, de los cuales, seis corresponden a ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que, en comparación con el tratamiento conservador, el tratamiento quirúrgico en fracturas de cóndilo mandibular probablemente se asocia a menor dolor articular, menor maloclusión y menor desviación lateral en apertura bucal.

INTRODUCTION: Maxillofacial fractures are associated with significant morbidity, loss of function and aesthetic sequelae, among others. Within mandibular fractures, mandibular condylar fractures are the most frequent. These can be treated by surgical treatment or conservative treatment (orthopedic). METHODS: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified eight systematic reviews including 66 primary studies overall, of which six were randomized trials. We concluded surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures, compared to conservative treatment, is probably associated with less joint pain, less malocclusion and less lateral deviation in buccal opening.

Histopathological evaluation of the effect of locally administered strontium on healing time in mandibular fractures: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular fractures are the most common facial fractures. They can be treated by conservative techniques or by surgery. The authors hypothesized that the application of a single local dose of strontium chloride would accelerate the healing of subcondylar mandibular fractures, shorten the recovery time and prevent complications. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a single local dose of strontium chloride on the healing of subcondylar mandibular fractures in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized experimental study was carried out on 24 male Wistar albino rats. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: experimental group 1, receiving 3% strontium chloride; experimental group 2, receiving 5% strontium chloride; and the control group. A full thickness surgical osteotomy was created in the subcondylar area. A single dose of strontium solution (0.3 cc/site) was administered locally by injection on the bone surfaces of the fracture line created. Nothing was administered to the control group. The mandibles were dissected on postoperative day 21. The fractured hemimandibles were submitted to histopathological examination. RESULTS: The median bone fracture healing score was 9 (range: 7-9) in experimental group 1; 8 (range: 7-10) in experimental group 2; and 7.50 (range: 7-8) in the control group. When the groups were compared in terms of bone healing scores, there was a statistically significant difference between experimental group 1 and the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that local strontium may have positive effects on the healing of subcondylar mandibular fractures. In the authors' opinion, 3% strontium was beneficial for accelerating facial skeleton consolidation and bone regeneration in rat subcondylar mandibular fractures. This treatment procedure may be combined with closed fracture treatment or a conservative approach.

Spontaneous fracture of the genial tubercles of the mandible: A case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of spontaneous fracture of the genial tubercles of the mandible and a review of the literature. BACKGROUND: Resorption of the mandible is well documented in edentulous patients. During this process, the genial tubercles, origin for both genioglossus and geniohyoid muscles, become more prominent and prone to trauma especially from poorly fitted lower full dentures and lead to fracture and separation of the genial tubercles from the mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 85 year old patient with the above presentation was monitored and documented to present this case report. A literature search was carried out to identify any previous reports of this type of fracture, and their diagnosis and treatment modalities. RESULTS: This case is extremely rare with only 17 cases reported in the literature. CONCLUSION: Although rare, fractured genial tubercles should be considered in the differential diagnosis for a painful swelling in the floor of the mouth in the edentulous patient.