Degloving injury of the mandible among different age groups

Degloving injuries of the oral cavity are characterised by separation of periosteum and soft tissue of the anterior floor of the mouth from the inner cortex of the anterior segment. The higher incidence of the degloving injuries of mandible are seen in children and young adults due to higher involvement in contact sports. In elders, degloving injury of mandible are rare as compared to that of the limbs which are common. Here, we describe the case report of an elderly female with an apparent soft tissue abrasion with encrustation along the left side of the lower lip due to fall. Thorough intra oral examination revealed the presence of degloving injury along the lower anterior region of mandible which was debrided and sutured. Without a high level of suspicion, such lesions existing in the gingivobuccal sulcus may be missed, leading to increased risk of secondary infection and obligate healing in turn leading to increased morbidity.