RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the treatment for mandibular coracoid fractures retrospectively. METHODS: A retrospective study on 37 patients with mandibular coracoid fractures treated at Department of Traumatic and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University from January 2010 to December 2015 was conducted. Eleven patients were treated conservatively, and 26 patients underwent surgical restoration and internal fixation. Mouth opening and pain degree were used as indicators to analyze treatment results. RESULTS: The 37 cases of coracoid fractures accounted for 3.18% of the total mandibular fractures. The average age of patients was 38.05 years. Satisfactory results were obtained in both treatments. A considerable change in the degree of mouth opening before and after 6 months was found in the two groups. The pain degree before treatment and 1 day after operation, 1 day and 4 weeks after operation, and 4 weeks and 6 months after operation indicated that the two groups did not significantly differ. However, substantial changes between the two groups were found before treatment and 6 months after operation. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment is recommended for patients with linear, temporalis muscle-located, and non-displaced coracoid fractures. Surgical treatment is recommended for patients with large fractures and those with accompanying zygomatic arch and mandible fractures.