A prospective study of 3 treatment methods for isolated fractures of the mandibular angle.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate treatment outcomes prospectively when isolated fractures of the mandibular angle are treated by 1) nonrigid fixation that includes 5 to 6 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation, 2) nonrigid but functionally stable fixation using a single miniplate, and 3) rigid fixation using 2 miniplates.


METHODS
All patients treated for isolated fractures of the mandibular angle at Parkland Hospital over a 12-year period were treated by 1 of the 3 methods sequentially assigned. Demographic, fracture characteristic, and treatment and outcome data were prospectively collected and statistically analyzed to determine whether the 3 treatments produced different outcomes.


RESULTS
One hundred eighty-five patients had sufficient follow-up for inclusion in this study. There were no significant differences in demographic data for the 3 groups. There were significant differences in treatment outcomes for several variables, including the amount of time it took to perform the surgery and postoperative wound problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of single miniplate was the easiest to perform and was associated with the lowest number of complications.
Ellis
Edward
E
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3400, USA. ellise3@uthscsa.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D001864:Bone Wires; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques; D008297:Male; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D018677:Tooth Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents