Intraoral open reduction and internal fixation of displaced mandibular angle fractures using a specific ad hoc reduction-compression forceps: a preliminary study.
OBJECTIVE
To preliminarily evaluate prospectively the accuracy and reliability of a specific ad hoc reduction-compression forceps in intraoral open reduction of transverse and displaced mandibular angle fractures.


METHODS
We analyzed the clinical and radiologic data of 7 patients with 7 single transverse and displaced angle fractures. An intraoral approach was performed in all of the patients without using perioperative intermaxillary fixation. A single Arbeitsgemeinschaft Osteosynthese (AO) unilock reconstruction plate was fixed to each stable fragment with 3 locking screws (2.0 mm in 5 patients and 2.4 mm in 2 patients) at the basilar border of the mandible, according to AO/American Society of Internal Fixation (ASIF) principles. Follow-up was at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and we noted the status of healing and complications, if any.


RESULTS
All of the patients had satisfactory fracture reduction as well as a successful treatment outcome without complications.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study demonstrated that the intraoral reduction of transverse and displaced angle fractures using a specific ad hoc reduction-forceps results in a high rate of success.
Scolozzi
Paolo
P
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Jaques
Bertrand
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D019245:Compressive Strength; D004867:Equipment Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D055815:Young Adult