ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT-RELATED MANDIBULAR FRACTURES: EPIDEMIOLOGY, FRACTURE PATTERNS, AND CONTEMPORARY MANAGEMENT

Road traffic accidents (RTAs) remain a leading cause of mandibular fractures worldwide, particularly among young men in low- and middle-income countries. This narrative review synthesised PubMed-indexed studies published between 2021 and 2026 on the epidemiology, fracture patterns, associated injuries and management of RTA-related mandibular fractures. RTAs caused 45–78% of mandibular and maxillofacial fractures in recent series, with a male predominance of about 4:1 and a peak in the third decade. Parasymphyseal and condylar fractures were the dominant sites, and two-wheeler riders without helmets carried the highest risk. Associated brain, cervical spine and systemic injuries were frequent and determined treatment timing. Open reduction and internal fixation with miniplates remains standard; single-plate fixation of angle fractures, open treatment of selected condylar fractures, screw-based or CAD/CAM maxillomandibular fixation and computer-guided plating improved efficiency and precision. Enforced helmet and traffic legislation, combined with protocol-driven multidisciplinary care, is essential.