Open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular left parasymphyseal fracture and conservative management of bilateral condylar fracture in a pillion rider- “Rules should be followed not ignored’

Abstract

Maxillofacial injuries sustained through Road traffic accidents (RTAs) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in India. Numerous factors such as ever increasing amount of two wheelers, assault conditions, lack of safety measures such as helmets, seat belts and lack of strict implementation of such rules, prevailing socioeconomic, cultural and environmental factors results in a substantial number of facial fractures from RTAs. By 2020, RTA injuries will rise as the 6th major cause of death worldwide. One of the most commonly employed means to thwart such RTAs include the use of helmet, following speed limits, obeying stop signs and traffic signals. Among two wheelers, the use of Helmets plays a crucial role in protecting the cranial vault and potentially the facial skeleton if a full face helmet is used. 25% of the RTAs are caused due to two wheelers rather than four wheelers. Pillion rider, who ride passenger behind the rider on a two wheelers more suspectible to morbid injuries due to lack of safety measures like not wearing a helmet, improper sitting patterns especially by females in India. A study showed injuries such as contusion and skull fractures are common when riding pillion. Here we report a case of mandibular symphysis fracture along with bilateral subcondylar fracture with medial displacement of the fractured segment sustained via RTA while riding pillion.