[Fractures of the atrophic mandible--our experience at Tel-Aviv Medical Center].

UNLABELLED: Fractures of the atrophic edentulous mandible are relatively uncommon. The treatment poses a real challenge due to the underlying medical condition of the geriatric population affected. The complication rate such as infection or malunion is higher compared to fractures in younger patients. Twenty-three cases of fractures of edentulous mandible were reviewed and analyzed. CONCLUSION: The geriatric maxillofacial trauma patients can be treated with open reduction and rigid fixation which allows a quick return to normal function. The conservative approach "close reduction with Gunning-type splints is still an adequate mode of treatment in clinical settings where a more aggressive surgical approach is contraindicated.