Fractures of angle of mandible - A retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective study was done to evaluate the efficacy of single miniplate osteosynthesis at superior border of angle of mandible.


METHODS
In this study 50 patients were treated by single miniplate osteosynthesis according to Champy's principle. Bite force generated was used as a parameter for judging the efficacy of internal fixation. In this article we present our experience over the years in the management of the fractures of angle of mandible based on this model.


RESULTS
Most patients were of 21-30 yrs of age with unilateral angle fracture of mandible except one patient who had isolated bilateral angle fracture. The patients were treated successfully according to Champy's principle of osteosynthesis. There was a progressive improvement in the bite force generated after osteosynthesis.


CONCLUSIONS
The angle of the mandible is an anatomically weak and an area susceptible to fracture. The presence of an impacted or partially erupted third molar tooth further weakens it. Angle of mandible is the most common site for fracture however, bilateral angle fracture is very rare and uncommon. Osteosynthesis according to Champy's model led to an early functional improvement as demonstrated by the bite force generated.
Professor and Head, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Darshan Dental College and Hospital, Ranakpur Road, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India.
Sourav
S
Singh
Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Darshan Dental College and Hospital, Ranakpur Road, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India.
Ramesh R
RR
Fry
Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Darshan Dental College and Hospital, Ranakpur Road, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India.
Ajit
A
Joshi
Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Darshan Dental College and Hospital, Ranakpur Road, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India.
Geeta
G
Sharma
Professor and Head, Department of Conservative and Endodontics, Darshan Dental College and Hospital, Ranakpur Road, Udaipur 313001, Rajasthan, India.
Smita
S
Singh
Bite force; Champy's principle; Fracture mandible; Osteosynthesis