Clinical, Imaging, and Therapeutic Aspects of Genial Tubercle Fractures: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The present study reviewed the clinical, imaging, and therapeutic aspects of genial tubercle fracture (GTF). A 2-phase systematic search of the literature was performed. Search strategies were developed for specific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and LILACS), including the gray literature (Open Grey and Google Scholar). The descriptors "genial tubercle," "fractures, bone," "mentalis," "spinae," and "mandible" were searched without restriction to year of publication. The CARE guideline was applied to evaluate methodologic aspects, and the Meta-Analysis of Assessment and Review Instrument was used to assess the risk of bias. The adopted level of significance was .05. Of 1,970 articles, 1,948 were excluded after applying the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, 2 studies were added through a manual search of the reference lists, totaling 24 articles. Occurrence of GTF was most common in women older than 61years and men younger than 60years (difference in age at occurrence was statistically significant; P=.019). The main clinical findings were edentulism, sublingual edema, and pain (P<.001). Previous trauma was commonly absent in women and present in men (P=.018). A cracking sound was mainly reported by women (P=.009). Isolated panoramic and occlusal radiographs were the most commonly performed examinations (P<.001). Diagnosis of sialolithiasis occurred in 37.5% of cases, and conservative treatment was performed in 76.6% of cases. GTF was mainly observed in older women, edentulous patients, and those without previous trauma. Conventional radiography and nonsurgical treatment were frequently reported.