A Cochrane systematic review finds no reliable evidence for different management options for the fractured edentulous atrophic mandible.

Cochrane reviews provide high-quality, reliable, and up-to-date evidence concerning the effects of health care interventions. This review sought to provide reliable evidence regarding the effectiveness of any interventions (either open or closed) that could be used to manage a fracture of the edentulous mandible. A sensitive search strategy was developed and used across several databases (including the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE) to identify randomized controlled trials and compare treatments for the management of fractured edentulous atrophic mandibles. Eligible studies were screened independently by two review authors and methodological quality was assessed based on criteria defined by the Cochrane Collaboration. Based on this review, there is inadequate evidence at present to confirm the effectiveness of a single approach for managing fractured atrophic edentulous mandibles; clinicians should continue basing treatment decisions on experience until high-level evidence is available.