Novel Tripartite Classification for Fractures of Coronoid Process of Mandible: A Retrospective Tertiary Center Study.

Introduction: Coronoid process of mandible is seldom fractured during maxillofacial trauma. Majority of the cases of coronoid fracture are treated conservatively, but some lead to complications which are often overlooked. At present, the literature on coronoid fractures is inadequate for meta-analysis. Also, there exists no standardized classification in the literature. Hence, the purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence and establish a novel 'tripartite' classification.

Material and methods: In this study carried out at level 1 trauma center, all patients with coronoid fracture with or without associated maxillofacial fractures were included. Relevant data were noted from Hospital records and CT scans (computer tomographic scans). These cases were classified according to 'tripartite' classification and treated. Data feed was given to IBM® SPSS® statistics (version 21) for analysis.

Results: Among 33 coronoid fracture patients, majority (57.57% cases) were from age group of 21-40 years with 82.85% cases attributed to road traffic accidents. 11.43% cases were bilateral, and the rest unilateral cases revealed right-side predilection.

Conclusion: Novel tripartite classification allows us to easily categorize and visualize the coronoid fractures. Horizontal types 1 to 3 and vertical types 4 to 6 are in increasing order of incidence, which makes it easy for communication, treatment approach and record maintenance.