title: Comparison of miniplate versus lag-screw osteosynthesis for fractures of the mandibular angle.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Treating mandibular angle fractures is common in maxillofacial surgery. The aim of this study was to compare lag screw fixation and miniplates.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective investigation compared patients treated with miniplates (n = 24) and with lag screws (n = 21). Inclusion criteria were a solitary angle fracture without comminution or other reasons for load-bearing osteosynthesis. The main parameters for the outcome analysis were fracture gaps at 4 defined measuring points on postoperative radiography. Postsurgical complications were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fracture gaps measured in panoramic radiographs differed significantly between the lag-screw (average 0.56 mm) group and the group using 1 miniplate (average 0.85 mm) and 2 miniplates (1.40 mm). Miniplate fixation resulted in a wider fracture gap, especially in the region of the lower margin of the mandible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lag-screw fixation demonstrated smaller fracture gaps compared with miniplate fixation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen, Germany. Heidrun.Schaaf@uniklinikum-giessen.de
authors.forename: Heidrun
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schaaf
authors.forename: Steffen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaubruegge
authors.forename: Philipp
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Streckbein
authors.forename: Jan-Falco
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Wilbrand
authors.forename: Heiko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kerkmann
authors.forename: Hans-Peter
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Howaldt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult