BACKGROUND: Mandibular fractures can lead to significant functional and aesthetic sequelae if treated improperly. They may act as an indicator of concomitant trauma and are very demanding on the public health care system. Thus, knowledge of mandibular fracture epidemiology is critical to effective prevention, as well the establishment of accurate trauma evaluation protocols. OBJECTIVES: To identify the epidemiology of mandibular fractures treated at a level 1 Canadian trauma centre, clarify the pathogenesis of these epidemiological patterns and suggest potential targets for preventive efforts. METHODS: A retrospective review of all mandibular fracture patients presenting to the Montreal General Hospital between 1998 and 2003 was performed. Medical records and digitized radiographic imaging were used to collect patient demographics and injury data. RESULTS: The chart review identified 181 patients with 307 mandibular fractures. Fifty-two per cent of the fractures occurred in individuals 21 to 40 years of age, 78% of patients were male, and there was wide ethnic diversity. Sixty percent of patients had multiple mandibular fractures; 29% were symphyseal/parasymphyseal fractures, 25% were condylar fractures and 23% were angle fractures. Assault was the most common mechanism of injury, with 29% of fractures involving alcohol or illegal drug use. Thirty percent of patients had an associated facial fracture, and more than one-third had another major injury. CONCLUSIONS: The present epidemiological review reveals several potential prevention targets as well as significant trends. Further research into the impact of these preventive measures could more objectively identify their impact on mandibular trauma.

Aloe vera, as a biological vehicle for hydrocortisone 21-acetate, was tested topically and systemically against acute inflammation. Systemically, the combination of A. vera and hydrocortisone produced a maximum 88.1% inhibition of edema. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration was reduced 91.1%. The topical inhibition of edema peaked at 97%. The possibility that A. vera has significant potential as a biologically active vehicle for steroids is discussed.

An Aloe vera extract was prepared with 50% ethanol. The resultant supernatant and precipitate were tested for anti-inflammatory activity using the croton oil-induced ear-swelling assay. The supernatant fraction decreased inflammation, when applied topically, by 29.2%, and the precipitate decreased inflammation by 12.1%. The authors have shown that the anti-inflammatory activity (inhibitory system) resides in the supernatant of a 50% ethanol extract.