Objective: To compare the mandibular fractures resolution treated with different fixation techniques according to socio-economic background of the patients.

Patients and methods: Patients presenting single or multiple mandibular fractures located in the symphysis, body or angle of the jaw. Said patients were treated with different fixation techniques such as titanium osteosynthesis, titanium osteosynthesis combined with arch bars, wired osteosynthesis combined with intermaxillary fixation, and arch bars alone. The variables measured were the fixation method, the consolidation/not consolidation of the fracture regarding the fixation technique, the days elapsed until patient final treatment, and the availability of health insurance or not.

Results: All of the patients progressed favorably up to the resolution of the fracture. The period of time until patient final treatment varied from 9 to 50 days. Some of them had health insurance that charged the fees of the treatment, while others who were not insured had to afford the costs of the treatment by themselves, or appeal to the public health system to afford the treatment. The time until patient final treatment was lower for the patients who could afford the titanium osteosynthesis treatment, while the discharge time for those without insurance was highly increased.

Conclusion: Having or not a health insurance is not a limitation for the fracture resolution, but it is a factor which affects the time of resolution.

Conflict of interest: None declared.