The 7-hole angle plate for mandibular angle fractures.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the 7-hole angle plate for open reduction, internal fixation of mandibular angle fractures when the Champy technique is inadequate and more rigid or semirigid fixation is beneficial and to provide rational indications for the choice of the 7-hole angle plate.


METHODS
Retrospective evaluation of 10 patients selected at Parkland Memorial Hospital over a 2-year period when the 7-hole angle plate stabilized their angle fracture. Patients were evaluated for postoperative complications including pain, malocclusion, and infection.


RESULTS
All 10 patients had sufficient follow-up for inclusion in this retrospective study. Correct placement of the 7-hole angle plate, easily accomplished with adequate assistance, produced no reportable postoperative complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The 7-hole angle plate is a good first option when more rigid or semirigid fixation is required, and the best fallback when the Champy technique is ineffective.
Parkland Memorial Hospital, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390-9109, USA.
David R
DR
Kang
Michael
M
Zide
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000209:etiology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult