Fixation of mandibular angle fractures with a 2.0-mm 3-dimensional curved angle strut plate

• Published in: Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery Vol. 63; no. 2; pp. 209 - 214
• Main Authors: Guimond, Claude, Johnson, James V., Marchena, Jose M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.02.2005; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Bone Plates; Dentistry; Equipment Design; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal - adverse effects; Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Jaw Fixation Techniques - adverse effects; Jaw Fixation Techniques - instrumentation; Male; Mandibular Fractures - surgery; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Retrospective Studies; Somatosensory Disorders - etiology; Surgical Wound Infection; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; Trigeminal Nerve Injuries; Human; Mandible; Fixation; Treatment; Angle; Stomatology; Surgery; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Osteosynthesis; Fracture; Trauma; Plate
• ISSN: 0278-2391; 1531-5053
• DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2004.03.018

The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience and complication rate with the use of a 3-dimensional 2.0-mm curved angle strut plate for mandibular angle fracture fixation. This was a retrospective evaluation of 37 patients with noncomminuted mandibular angle fractures fixated with a transorally placed curved 2.0-mm strut plate. Postoperative intermaxillary fixation was used in 5 patients for a mean period of 22 days. A nonchewing diet was prescribed for 6 weeks. Records were reviewed for demographic information, medical history, fracture characteristics, operative management, and complications. Two patients developed infections requiring plate removal and reapplication of fixation. Both of these patients had a molar in the fracture line that was left in place during the first operation. One patient developed a mucosal wound dehiscence without consequence. After a mean follow-up period of 10 weeks, 39.4% of patients with a postinjury/pretreatment inferior alveolar nerve deficit reported a return to normal sensation. All patients who developed a sensory deficit as a result of surgery reported full recovery of sensation. A persistent sensory deficit appeared to be related to fracture displacement. Fixation of noncomminuted mandibular angle fractures with a 2.0-mm curved angle strut plate was predictable. This plate is low in profile, strong yet malleable, facilitating reduction and stabilization at both the superior and inferior borders. Development of a postoperative infection appeared to be related to failure of removal of a molar in the fracture line. The infection rate of 5.4% found in this study compares favorably with that seen with reconstruction plates. Use of this plate did not appear to cause a permanent sensory deficit in this study.