A comparison of isolated mandibular fractures and pattern of fractures of the mandible in cases with panfacial fractures – A study from 2007 to 2024 in a highest-level German trauma centre on 2056 patients with mandibular fractures

2,699 mandibular fracture cases were analyzed: 1847 patients were isolated, and 852 with panfacial fractures involving the mandible. The male-to-female ratio was 3:1. Males were significantly younger than females in isolated and panfacial fractures. The yearly patient numbers decreased in panfacial cases and remained approximately the same - with high volatility - in isolated cases. Isolated fractures peaked in young males (20-30 years), while older females showed a secondary peak in panfacial fractures. Fracture distribution differed significantly between groups. A heatmap presents the fracture pattern in a schematic mandible, presenting both patient groups parallelly for better comparison. It highlights the cranialisation of the distribution pattern in the panfacial injury group. The distribution of mandibular fractures is different in isolated and panfacial fracture cases. The findings emphasize the importance of tailored diagnostic and treatment strategies for high-risk groups, including older females and patients with complex craniofacial injuries.