Kanye West 2002 Car Accident: Mandible Fractures
Kanye West, one of the most influential artists of hip-hop, has been headlining since the 2000s and has experienced a career like no other. Despite his controversy in recent or previous years, he has reached parts of the media in remarkable ways from rapping, producing, fashion, and song-writing.
However, Kanye’s significant and influential rap career is rooted in a life-changing event, which was a car crash causing him to lose his life nearly. This devastating accident caused Kanye West to write and rap his debut solo single “Through the Wire”, which was the catalyst for his career as a rapper. However, the accident that Kanye sustained caused his jaw to separate into three parts, and he would need a doctor to perform surgery and wire his jaw shut. This article will describe the background information surrounding the accident, the reconstructive jaw surgery that was performed on him, and how such an injury might occur in sports.
Background Information:
On October 23, 2002, at around 3 AM, Kanye West left a studio in California after producing tracks for artists including Beanie Sigel, Peedi Crakk, and The Black Eyed Peas. Since it was late at night, he fell asleep at the wheel, causing his vehicle to crash in West Hollywood where he would suffer nasal fractures and a broken jaw that was shattered into three pieces. West was rushed to the hospital, received surgery on his jaw, and had to be wired shut for 6 weeks. After only 2 weeks of recovery at the hospital, he started recording his verses for “Through the Wire” in a studio, having his jaw wired shut.
West recalls his near-death experience, stating that the accident essentially spoke to him, I am about to hand you the world, just know at any given time I can take it away from you.” To nearly lose your life, to nearly lose your mouth, your voice, your whole face, as a rapper… and I had to be on TV! My face looks crazy to me now… But I have to just thank God for the situation that I am in… “Through The Wire” is the worst thing that could’ve possibly happened to me, and now it’s obviously the best thing.” The song went on to be the debut single of West’s freshman album The College Dropout, which earned him a Grammy in 2005 for “Best Rap album”.
Fractured Jaw:
Kanye West’s car accident caused his jaw to completely shatter into three pieces, which falls into the category of a jaw fracture injury. Fractured jaws are the second most common facial fracture, following nasal fractures consisting of 40% to 50% of all facial fractures. In cases less severe than West’s, they can be identified in a swelling or bruising appearance. Jaw fractures, also known as mandibular fractures, have approximately a 60% occurrence rate of jaws breaking into two. They are most commonly a result of trauma, occurring in instances such as:
Industrial accident
Motor vehicle accident
Assault
Sports or recreational activities
Trips or falls
Dental or medical procedures
Jaw fractures most commonly occur in the areas of the condyle (36%), body (21%), angle (20%) and symphysis (14%). In cases less severe than West’s, jaw fractures do not require immediate surgery, as it is more common to reevaluate and have surgery a few days later. The two most common symptoms are pain around the jaw and the feeling that the teeth are not correctly matched, which is known as traumatic malocclusion. This is due to the teeth being extremely sensitive to pressure, therefore having a drastic feeling to any change to the teeth. Other symptoms of a fractured jaw can include swelling, difficulty opening or closing the mouth, and even numbness in the lower lip due to nerve damage.
Jaw Injuries in Sports:
Jaw injuries in sports are relatively common, predominantly in contact sports such as boxing, football, rugby, and martial arts. These injuries can range from minor bruising and soft tissue damage to more severe cases like fractures or dislocations. A fractured jaw, or mandibular fracture, is one of the most serious injuries and occurs when there is a break in the bone.
Dislocations of the jaw occur when the lower part of the jaw, known as the mandible, is forced out of its normal position at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Athletes with jaw dislocations may experience intense pain, an inability to close their mouths properly, and difficulty speaking or chewing. Treatment for jaw injuries usually involves stabilizing the jaw, sometimes with wiring or the use of a brace, and in more severe cases, surgery may be required. Recovery times can vary depending on the severity of the injury, and athletes may need to undergo rehabilitation to regain full function of the jaw.
Prevention:
Preventing jaw injuries, particularly in sports, involves the use of appropriate protective gear, such as mouthguards and helmets. Mouthguards are important in contact sports as they help absorb impact and reduce the risk of fractures and dislocations. Proper training and conditioning can increase an athlete's ability to endure impacts and reduce the likelihood of injury.
Conclusion:
Jaw injuries are critical and potentially debilitating conditions that require prompt attention and appropriate treatment. Whether the result of a sports-related incident, an accident, or another cause, understanding the risks, types, and treatment options is crucial for preventing long-term damage and ensuring a full recovery.
Sources:
Gallagher, Caitlin. “Netflix’s ‘Jeen-Yuhs’ Details How Kanye West’s 2002 Car Crash Shaped His Career.” Popsugar, Popsugar, 4 Aug. 2017, www.popsugar.com/celebrity/kanye-west-car-accident-details-43838221.
Kopel, H. “Sports Injuries and TMJ.” Zak Dental, 30 Nov. 2023, www.zakdental.com/sports-injuries-tmj/#:~:text=Sport%20induced%20TMJ%20can%20be,to%20use%20all%20your%20strength.
“Jaw - Broken or Dislocated.” Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai Health System, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/injury/jaw-broken-or-dislocated. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
Mitchell, Molli. “All You Need to Know about Kanye West’s Car Accident.” Newsweek, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2022, www.newsweek.com/kanye-west-car-crash-accident-what-happened-broken-jaw-through-wire-1681165.
Seladi, Jill. “Jaw Surgery (Orthognathic): Types, Procedure & Recovery.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 5 June 2024, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22011-jaw-orthognathic-surgery.