Abstract: To explore risk factors associated with postoperative inflammatory complications(POIC) after rigid internal fixation of mandibular fractures. METHODS: A case-control study was designed and a sample of 447 patients treated with rigid internal fixation for mandibular fractures were selected from January 2009 to December 2015.26 patients developed POIC after treatment were categorized into the experimental group. Twenty-six cases with no complications were enrolled into the control group. Data were collected and bivariate and multiple logistic analyses were used to identify factors associated with POIC between the two groups by SAS9.2 software package. RESULTS: In multiple regression model, an increasing Mandibular Injury Severity Score (OR=2.509; 95%CI 1.083-5.814) and health condition below the baseline (OR=5.019; 95%CI 1.294-19.472) were significantly (P<0.05) associated with an increased risk for a POIC. However, in bivariate analyses, the use of antibiotics was associated with POIC (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative inflammatory complications are associated with the Mandibular Injury Severity and health condition of the patients.

Key words: Mandible, Fracture, Rigid internal fixation, Infection, Risk factors