Postoperative CT of the Mandible Following Trauma: Review of Normal Appearances and Common Complications

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES:Surgeons aim to restore occlusion and jaw function to baseline status for patients with mandibular fractures using either closed treatment or reduction and fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Occlusion is defined as the relationship between the maxillary and mandibular teeth as they approach each other. RESULTS:Radiologists should be familiar with the goals of repair to help identify which treatment is adequate as well as to diagnose potential complications. Some of the more common complications encountered are infection, nonunion or malunion, and malocclusion. CONCLUSION:We provide a comprehensive review of both the desired and untoward CT findings after surgical repair of traumatic mandibular injuries.