The management of a Y-shaped fracture of the mandibular ramus

Ramus fractures are extremely rare. The exact definition of this specific fracture is not uniformly accepted: in fact, some low subcondylar fractures or low coronoid fractures are sometimes, probably erroneously, considered ramus fractures. The fractures of the ramus of the mandible are usually minimally displaced, so that most surgeons manage these fractures by closed reduction. However, mandibular fracture treatment by open reduction and rigid internal fixation provides a number of advantages. Furthermore, some cases of displaced ramus fracture still need surgery. The aim of this article is to present the management of a case of a Y-shaped fracture of the mandibular ramus.