Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications Following Mandibular Fracture Repair

Complications following mandibular fracture repair (MFR) may carry significant morbidity to patients. The purpose of our study is to determine the risk factors for postoperative complications following MFR. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of trauma patients who underwent MFR in 2018 and 2019. Excluded were patients below 18 years old and those with postoperative follow-up <2 weeks. The primary outcome was the incidence of major and minor postoperative complications following MFR. Of n=275 patients included, mean (SD) age was 35 (14) years and median (IQR) follow up was 49 (26-117) days. Most patients [n=208 (76%)] underwent both maxillomandibular/intermaxillary fixation (MMF/IMF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The incidence of major postoperative complications was 19% (n=51) including malunion [n=8 (2.9%)], malocclusion [n=21 (7.6%)], and unplanned reoperation [n=26 (9.5%)]. The incidence of minor postoperative complications was 61% (n=167). Alcohol use at the time of surgery and greater MISS score were associated with greater odds of major complications [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 95% CI: 3.4 (1.2-9.0), 1.09 (1.02-1.160), respectively]. Smoking at the time of surgery and moderately (>2 mm) and severely displaced fractures (>4 mm) were associated with greater odds of minor complications [aOR (95% CI): 2.1 (1.04-4.2), 2.7 (1.2-6.4), 2.7 (1.1-6.6), respectively]. Alcohol use, smoking, greater MISS score, and displaced fractures >2 mm were significant risk factors for postoperative complications following MFR. Our findings can help guide informed decision making and surgical planning in patients with mandibular fractures.