Minimal access fixation of mandibular angle fracture

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Mandibular angle fractures are common, with various fixation techniques available.
• Existing extraoral, intraoral, and transbuccal approaches have limitations.
• Monocortical miniplate fixation is a recognized treatment with a low complication rate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel surgical approach for mandibular angle fractures.
• To combine the advantages of existing techniques while mitigating their drawbacks.
• To facilitate economical, outpatient care for specific mandibular fractures.

Main Methods:

• A new surgical approach for mandibular angle fracture fixation is described.
• The technique aims to avoid external scarring and marginal mandibular nerve injury.
• It allows direct visualization and confirmation of occlusion during plate placement.

Main Results:

• The proposed approach offers benefits such as no external scarring and preserved nerve function.
• It enables direct visualization and confirmation of occlusion.
• The technique is suitable for minimally displaced or undisplaced angle fractures.

Conclusions:

• The novel approach presents a viable alternative for treating mandibular angle fractures.
• It has the potential for economical, outpatient management in a dental setting.
• This technique could pave the way for endoscopic treatment of angle fractures.