Mandibular fractures are relatively common especially among young men, with the majority resulting from assault. Although traditionally the mandible and base of skull are thought to form a complete bony ring, interrupted only by the TMJs. This would suggest that the mandible should fracture in two places making single fractures uncommon, but this in fact not the case, with ~40% of fractures being unifocal. These fractures are commonly displaced due to the muscles of mastication and due to the importance of normal occlusion (‘bite’) ORIF is the standard method of treatment.
Check out the AO Surgery Reference resource for further details and operative techniques.
https://surgeryreference.aofoundation.org/cmf/trauma/mandible