A Detailed Analysis of Mandibular Angle Fractures: Epidemiology, Patterns, Treatments, and Outcomes

The purpose was to analyze mandibular angle fractures by examining epidemiologic trends and mechanisms of injury and to determine whether a statistically meaningful relation existed between certain treatment modalities and patient outcomes.

A retrospective chart analysis was performed, and data were limited to 1 operator. Treatment variables were methods of fixation, postoperative intermaxillary fixation (IMF), and retention versus extraction of teeth in the line of fracture. Outcomes were rates of postoperative infection, fracture healing, and overall patient comfort. Analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test, Wald test, and χ(2) test, with a P value less than .05 considered significant.

One hundred three patients were included in this study. The mean age was 30.4 years, most patients were men, and most injuries occurred during physical altercations and on the left side of the face. The most common concomitant fracture was of the contralateral parasymphysis. A statistically meaningful relation was noted between methods of fixation and healing and overall patient comfort, with the Champy technique and reconstruction plate being associated with the highest rates of bony union and patient comfort. No statistically relevant correlation was found between methods of fixation and rates of infection. There was no statistically relevant link for extraction versus retention of healthy teeth in the line of fracture or use of IMF with patient comfort, postoperative infection, or fracture healing.

Although the Champy technique and reconstruction plates were associated with better postoperative outcomes, such as patient comfort and fracture healing, these should not be used interchangeably. IMF and extraction versus retention of teeth in the line of fracture did not influence any of the outcomes.