JAW FRACTURE Meaning and
Definition
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Jaw fracture, also known as mandibular fracture, refers to a break or a crack in the jawbone (mandible). The mandible is the largest and strongest bone in the human face, serving as the foundation for the lower teeth and playing a crucial role in various functions, such as talking, chewing, and swallowing.
Jaw fractures can occur as a result of traumatic injuries or accidents, such as falls, sports-related accidents, motor vehicle collisions, or physical altercations. The severity of a jaw fracture can range from a simple, non-displaced fracture to a complex, displaced fracture involving multiple segments of the jawbone. The fracture may be single or multiple, complete or incomplete, and can occur in various locations along the jawline.
Common symptoms associated with a jaw fracture include pain, swelling, tenderness, difficulty or inability to move the jaw, malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), and facial asymmetry. In some cases, there may be bleeding from the mouth, bruising or lacerations on the face, or numbness or tingling in the lower lip or chin.
Timely diagnosis and treatment of a jaw fracture are essential to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, are commonly used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the fracture. Treatment may involve immobilizing the jaw with wires, plates, or screws, or occasionally, surgery may be necessary to properly align and stabilize the broken bones.
Post-treatment, patients may require a period of immobilization, a liquid or soft-food diet, and physical therapy to restore normal jaw function. Regular follow-up visits with a healthcare professional are important to monitor healing progress and address any potential complications.
Common Misspellings for JAW FRACTURE
- haw fracture
- naw fracture
- maw fracture
- kaw fracture
- iaw fracture
- uaw fracture
- jzw fracture
- jsw fracture
- jww fracture
- jqw fracture
- jaq fracture
- jaa fracture
- jas fracture
- jae fracture
- ja3 fracture
- ja2 fracture
- jaw dracture
- jaw cracture
- jaw vracture
- jaw gracture
Etymology of JAW FRACTURE
The word "jaw" can be traced back to the Old English word "gēag", which referred to the jawbone or jaw. This Old English term is related to the Old High German word "gēha" and the Old Norse word "gǫgurr", both of which also meant jaw.
The word "fracture" has its roots in the Latin word "fractura", which comes from the verb "frangere", meaning "to break". This Latin word has given rise to various forms and derivatives in different languages, including the English word "fracture".
Therefore, the term "jaw fracture" combines the Old English word "jaw" with the Latin word "fracture" to describe the breaking or fracturing of the jawbone.
