Impacted fracture facts

Impacted Fracture

This type of problem is associated with a fracture that has broken bone fragments edged one into the other. The crystalline compound is something that is created by the cells located in the living tissue, called bones and it is comprised of calcium phosphate's mineral salts. This is what gives the bones such hardness and strength and it also contributes to the density of the bones.

When a person turns 30, the bones are at full density, but fractures can happen. The problem we are talking about in this text is connected with the fracture with two bone fractures wedged together. There are several ways the bone can get fractured, although they are hard. This can be done if the bone is twisted or bent at an awkward angle. Fractures are mostly a result of a collision with a hard object or fall.

In some cases, the surrounding body parts can get damaged, but this depends on the severity of the fracture and damage. Sometimes, several fractures can occur and the name used for this is comminuted impact fracture.

Causes

We have mentioned the most common ways of creating a fracture and it seems that older people and children are most prone to this problem. Children seem to be prone due to falls during playtime, while older people have fragile bones that are easy to break.

Sometimes a fracture can be a result of repetitive use of a bone. Sportsman and athletes, in general, are affected by this problem, which rarely leads to impacted fractures.

Symptoms

Once the fracture is created, the pain will be the first to experience. The severity of the fracture and damage will determine the strength of the pain, which can sometimes be throbbing and excruciating. The fractured part may sometimes be immovable due to the very serious pain experienced.

Once the fracture occurs, swelling and bruising of the affected location also occur. A person may become clammy, lightheaded, and dizzy due to the pain, while the affected area may also produce a rattling and cracking sound.

Mandibular fractures are the most common fracture of the face, accounting for about 15.5-59% of all maxillofacial fractures. Among mandibular fractures, the most commonly encountered fracture is condylar fracture. Being the most prominent facial bone, it often receives the maximum impact of trauma leading to direct and indirect fractures.

Often frontal injuries or injuries to the symphysis region are associated with maximum stress being transmitted to the neck of the condyle or the mandibular angle, resulting in fracture of the angle of the mandible bilaterally or of the condylar neck bilaterally.
The focus of the stress concentration is also influenced by anatomical factors such as the presence of long roots of teeth and impacted teeth. When these stress levels are beyond the yield of the strength/elastic modulus of the bone, an indirect fracture occurs.
Fracture patterns in the mandible are typically well-defined and tend to follow established patterns that are determined by the force of the impact. Often, impacted fractures are commonly seen in the maxilla. Occasionally, the mechanism of injury could be different, leading to unusual fracture patterns which need precise planning and fixation of the fracture.
Various factors influence the pattern of mandibular fractures which includes anatomical factors, the severity of injury, the presence of teeth and open mouth or closed mouth at the time of injury. Pertaining to forces, fractures can occur at the site of application of force or at a distant site due to indirect force called the counter-coupe fracture.
The ideal management modality of the oblique parasymphysis includes the use of rigid fixation and placement of two lag screws across to assist in bucco-lingual compression and fixation.

✓ Fact confirmed: Impacted Mandibular Fracture: A Report of a Rare Case Alladi Sneha, Sneha Pendem, Murugesan Krishnan, Pradeep Dhasarathan, Vedha Aravindan; May 14, 2023

Diagnosis and Treatment

In most cases, X-ray scans will determine if the fracture is present, but in more serious cases, meaning those with the impacted fracture, CT scans or MRI scans may also be needed.

The treatment usually involves wearing a splint or sling, which will prevent bone movement and keep it in place to heal. Surgical steel wires, pins, screws, plates, and rods may be used in cases of several bone fragments. They will keep the bone in place until it heals.

Remember that rest is needed for the treatment. The bone has to reunite, so in some cases, the cast must be worn. Be careful even when you remove the cast and try not to do the daily activities for some time.