EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MANAGEMENT MODALITIES OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS IN SANA'A CITY, YEMEN: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background and objectives: Mandibular fractures in children  patients present strong challenges due to costant growth and development. While facial fractures in children are lesser  than in adults, their management requires careful consideration to prevent long-term complications such as growth disruption, ankylosis, and malocclusion. This retrospective study  to evaluate the epidemiological characteristics and management modalities of mandibular fractures in pediatric (under 13 years) at major governmental hospitals in Sana'a City, Yemen, over a four years period (2022-2026).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 patient records from Al-Thawra, Al-Jumhouri, and Al-Kuwait hospitals. Data on demographics, etiology, fracture site, and treatment were analyzed using SPSS v25.

Results: The study included 80 patients (72.5% male). Falls (52.5%) were the primary cause. The parasymphysis (29.1%) was the most common fracture site. ORIF was used in 40.0% of cases, while closed reduction was used in 37.5%.

Conclusion: Pediatric mandibular fractures in Sana'a are predominantly caused by falls and affect males more frequently. Management favors ORIF and closed reduction depending on severity.

                         

Peer Review History:

Received 8 April 2026;   Reviewed 11 May 2026; Accepted  9 June; Available online 15 July 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia,  Indonesia, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Bilge Ahsen KARA, Ankara Gazi Mustafa Kemal Hospital, Turkey, [email protected]

Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, [email protected]