A Case of Mandibular Fracture Associated with Upper Airway Stenosis in Senile Dementia

Abstract

We report a case of mandibular fracture associated with upper airway stenosis due to glossoptosis. The patient was a 91-year-old female who had injured her lower jaw in a fall at a nursing care home. Panorama radiography showed a fracture line on both sides of the mandibular body. Computed tomography （CT） demonstrated glossoptosis and upper airway stenosis. The patient underwent open reduction via an intra-oral approach using mini plates and a reconstruction plate under general anesthesia. Her airway stenosis disappeared and the results of postoperative CT were appropriate. Although glossoptosis can cause upper respiratory tract obstruction, patients with decreased cognitive function may not be aware of this change. Mandibular fracture in patients with senile dementia therefore requires careful follow-up.