Comparison of miniplate versus lag-screw osteosynthesis for fractures of the mandibular angle.
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.
Schaaf
Heidrun
H
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen, Germany. Heidrun.Schaaf@uniklinikum-giessen.de
Kaubruegge
Steffen
S
Streckbein
Philipp
P
Wilbrand
Jan-Falco
JF
Kerkmann
Heiko
H
Howaldt
Hans-Peter
HP
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