title: Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the mandibular angle fracture treatment methods.
abstract: 425 patients with mandibular angle fractures were treated at the Hospital of Kaunas University of Medicine (HKUM) Clinic of Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Treatment included the application of closed fracture fragments fixation methods (wire splint fixation, and Kirschner wire osteosynthesis), and methods of open fixation--osteosynthesis using the supra-periosteal miniplate, and osteosynthesis using supra-osseous Zes Pol plate (the latter method was modified by the authors). Relative computerized densitometry showed that closed fixation methods result in a faster healing of fractures. The findings of the pain threshold testing showed that open fixation methods more severely damage the function of the lower alveolar nerve. Using closed fixation methods, osteomyelitis occurred in 5.3% of cases, while using open fixation methods--in 15.3% of cases. Thus, the authors of the article maintain that when mandibular angle fractures, in the presence of suitable conditions, closed fracture fragments fixation methods should be given a priority.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Kaunas Medical University, Eiveniu 2, Kaunas, Lithuania.
authors.forename: Dainius
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Razukevicius
authors.forename: Gintautas
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sabalys
authors.forename: Ricardas
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kubilius
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates / Q000009:adverse effects; D001864:Bone Wires / Q000009:adverse effects; D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011859:Radiography; D013165:Splints / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D061221:Trigeminal Nerve Injuries