Mandibular Fracture Patterns and Management Approaches at Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja

Mandibular fractures are among the most common skeletal injuries managed in oral and maxillofacial surgery, with etiology varying significantly across geographic regions and sociocultural settings. This retrospective descriptive study examines the pattern, etiology, and management of mandibular fractures at Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, located in the North Central geopolitical zone, over a four-year period from 2020 to 2023. Clinical records, theatre registers, and radiographic reports of 96 patients were reviewed. Variables extracted include age, sex, cause of fracture, fracture site, associated soft tissue injuries, and treatment method. Results indicate that road traffic accidents accounted for 61.5% of all mandibular fractures, followed by assault and falls. The body and angle of the mandible were the most frequently fractured regions. Conservative management using intermaxillary fixation (IMF) was employed in 55% of cases, while open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with titanium plates was used in more complex or displaced fractures. Complications including malocclusion, infection, and delayed union were documented in a subset of cases. The high proportion of RTA-related fractures in Lokoja reflects the burden of poor road conditions and reckless driving in the North Central zone. The study advocates for improved trauma reception facilities and capacity building in ORIF techniques at secondary facilities across Kogi State. Keywords: mandibular fractures, road traffic accidents, intermaxillary fixation, Lokoja, North Central Nigeria.