Background – Mandibular fractures are common injuries presenting to hospitals. Understanding trends in mandibular fracture patterns and demographics may help to shape service delivery, and prevention of these injuries. This study compares mandibular fractures in Tasmania with data from 15 years ago, and with current worldwide trends.

Method – Patients with fractured mandibles treated through the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) were audited. This data was analysed and compared with a previous study.

Results – On average 37 fractured mandibles presented to hospital each year. Most patients are males in the 20-30 year age bracket. 60% of fractures were secondary to assault, 17.1% due to sport, and 15.3% due to falls. Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) contributed only 5.4% of mandibular fractures. 59.5% of patients were intoxicated with alcohol at the time of injury. The angle of the mandible was the most common site of fracture and open reduction and internal fixation was the treatment of choice.

Conclusion – There have been significant changes in mandibular fracture patterns in Tasmania in the last 15 years. There was a rise in alcohol-related interpersonal violence, and males were increasingly over-represented. The findings also demonstrated a decrease in MVA-related mandibular fractures, suggesting an improvement in road safety.