AWARENESS ON PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURES AMONG DENTAL STUDENTS – A SURVEY

Abstract

Pathological fractures may be one of the earliest signs of metastatic disease to the bone. It may occur due to the underlying pathological process that weakens the bone. Numerous treatment options are available for the management of pathological fractures which may vary according to its multiple etiologies, local bone condition and other serious conditions which may contribute further to its occurrence. This study is done to inform dental practitioners regarding pathological fractures and the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment for patients with such conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the awareness of dental students on the various factors associated with pathological fractures and its management. A questionnaire-based study was done involving 100 participants. The inclusion criteria of this study were dental students ranging from third years to post-graduates with personal experiences of working in a dental setting. Questions related to the awareness of pathological fractures were provided. Data was collected and analyzed using the SPSS version 23.0. Pathological fractures are believed to have a low occurrence rate with only 35% of the participants having experienced treating patients with such conditions seen mainly in the mandibular body (51%). Despite this, 55% of them are confident in treating patients with pathological fractures. Most of them are aware of the factors leading to pathological fracture (63%) with osteoradionecrosis being the most common etiology (37%). Most participants are wellinformed on the treatment modalities available (60%), having familiarity with the terms “open reduction” and “closed reduction” (61%) while only 58% are aware of the complications associated with them. Closed reduction with intermaxillary fixation/intermaxillary elastic traction is chosen as the ideal treatment of fracture with osteomyelitis (84%). Within the limits of our study, it can be concluded that awareness about different management of jaw fractures among dental students is moderate and pathological fractures are one of the common factors that lead patients to the dental clinic. It is important for every dentist to have a basic understanding of pathological fracture and its management to provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for patients with such conditions.