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Comparison of miniplate versus lag-screw osteosynthesis for fractures of the mandibular angle
Heidrun Schaaf1, Steffen Kaubruegge, Philipp Streckbein
1Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, Giessen, Germany. Heidrun.Schaaf@uniklinikum-giessen.de
Objectives:
Treating mandibular angle fractures is common in maxillofacial surgery. The aim of this study was to compare lag screw fixation and miniplates.
Study Design:
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.
Conclusion:
Lag-screw fixation demonstrated smaller fracture gaps compared with miniplate fixation.
