Treatment of mandibular angle fractures using one noncompression miniplate.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the results in patients treated for fractures of the mandibular angle with a single miniplate.


METHODS
Eighty-one patients with fractures of the mandibular angle were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using one noncompression miniplate with 2.0-mm self-threading screws placed through a transoral incision. No patient was placed into postsurgical maxillomandibular fixation. They were prospectively studied for complications.


RESULTS
Thirteen patients with angle fractures (16%) experienced complications requiring secondary surgical intervention. Most of the complications (n = 11), however, were minor and could be treated in the office. Most commonly, intraoral incision and drainage and later removal of the bone plate were required. All patients with minor complications had clinical union. Only two complications required hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and further surgery. One of these patients had a fibrous union requiring a bone graft.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a single miniplate for fractures of the angle of the mandible is a simple, reliable technique with a relatively small number of major complications.
Ellis
E
E
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9109, USA.
Walker
L R
LR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D014025:Titanium
D014025:Titanium