iEM Image Feed: Mandibular Fracture

A 39-year-old woman presented to ED with mouth pain. She was cleaning the bathroom and suddenly slipped and fell. She hit her mandible with the floor. She was able to speak minimally—no avulsed teeth. She had teeth 23 and 24 subluxations.

This is a high energy impact trauma. Ensure that you evaluate the patient systematically for trauma and not forget to pay attention to a neck injury. Violence, assault, partner abuse should be in your mind. Specific mandibular and panoramic imaging may give excellent views for diagnosis. In some cases, CT may be necessary to evaluate the maxillofacial injury. Besides, know the teeth universal numbering. If you see this kind of damage in the examination, always rule out an alveolar fracture.