A prospective study of 3 treatment methods for isolated fractures of the mandibular angle.

PURPOSE

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.

PATIENTS AND 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.

CONCLUSION

The use of single miniplate was the easiest to perform and was associated with the lowest number of complications.