A CBCT shows a mandibular fracture located between the mandibular canine and the lateral incisor region, just off the midline. What is this fracture called?

Correct answer: D. Parasymphyseal fracture

• A. A body fracture occurs between the canine and the third molar region.
• B. A true symphyseal fracture runs vertically through the MIDLINE between the central incisors.
• C. An angle fracture occurs distal to the third molar in the triangle between the body and the ramus — the single most common mandibular fracture site.
• D. CORRECT. The PARASYMPHYSEAL region lies just LATERAL to the midline, conventionally between the distal of the canine and the midline — the region of the mental foramen and the long canine root, which creates a zone of structural weakness. Fractures here often occur together with a contralateral condylar or angle fracture, since the mandible tends to break in two places.

Note: Always look for a SECOND fracture: a parasymphyseal fracture is very often paired with a contralateral condylar fracture.