OasisLMS

The article reviews Mandibular fractures which are common injuries treated by plastic surgeons. There are several aspects of mandibular fracture care that are well studied and for which there is good consensus; however, there are areas of fracture care that elicit significant differences of opinion, even among experienced surgeons. The objectives of this continuing medical education article are to familiarize the reader with mandibular anatomy and the evaluation of and decision-making regarding patients with these fractures, and to explain in plain terms their operative management. In addition, the authors highlight particular areas of controversy in treatment to guide further research. 

The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) accredits ASPS to provide educational activities and material with Category 1 CME credits. As an official CME provider, ASPS must comply with all ACCME standards, as outlined in the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.

Chad A. Purnell, MD, University of Illinois, Chicago, Craniofacial Center, 811 South Paulina Street, Chicago, IL.
Ettinger, Russell E. MD, Craniofacial Center, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery®Editors:  
Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Chung, MD
Co-Editor: Amy Colwell, MD
Section Editors: John Y.S. Kim, MD

This educational activity is intended for plastic surgery practitioners, residents, and other healthcare professionals interested in translating expanded knowledge into practice for the improvement of patient outcomes in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Learning Objectives
After viewing this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Differentiate mandibular fractures that require operative management.
2. Accurately diagnose the anatomic location of a mandibular fracture.
3. List the benefits and weaknesses of multiple methods of maxillomandibular fixation.
4. Identify absolute indications to Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen type (load bearing) fixation in mandible fractures.
5. Evaluate the risk-benefit profile of open management of condylar and subcondylar fractures.
6. Identify indications to remove a tooth at the site of a mandibular fracture.

The following ABMS core competencies will be addressed:

• Patient Care and Procedural Skills
• Medical Knowledge
• Practice-based Learning and Improvement

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation
The ASPS designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Recognition Statement
The Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits offered by this activity are enhanced by ASPS Learner Credit Reporting for learners who have opted into this reporting. Successful completion of this CME activity enables active American Board of Surgery (ABS) members the opportunity to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the ABS's Continuous Certification program when claimed within 30 days of completion of the activity. Participants in ASPS-accredited education who want their CME credits reported to certifying and state licensing boards must opt-in to reporting and add their NPI as well as state license ID and/or collaborating board ID(s) before claiming credit.

Disclosure Policy
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires all faculty, authors, planners, reviewers, managers, staff and other individuals in a position to control or influence the content of an activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships or affiliations. All identified conflicts of interest must be resolved and the educational content thoroughly vetted by ASPS for fair balance, scientific objectivity and appropriateness of patient care recommendations. The ASPS also requires faculty/authors to disclose when off-label/unapproved uses of a product are discussed in a CME activity or included in related materials.

Disclaimer: All relevant financial relationships for planners, faculty, and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) are reviewed by the ASPS Continuing Education Committee and have been mitigated, if applicable. 

The following planners/faculty members/reviewers have no relevant financial relationships or affiliations to disclose:
Chad A. Purnell, MD, Ettinger, Russell E. MD

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^TM1.0
Media: Journal Article, video
Release Date: 7/21/2025
Expiration Date: 7/21/2028
Estimated time to complete this course: 1 hour

*Course access ends on course expiration date

Directly provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS®)