Treatment of mandibular angle fractures using one noncompression miniplate.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the results in patients treated for fractures of the mandibular angle with a single miniplate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty-one patients with fractures of the mandibular angle were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using one noncompression miniplate with 2.0-mm self-threading screws placed through a transoral incision. No patient was placed into postsurgical maxillomandibular fixation. They were prospectively studied for complications.

RESULTS: Thirteen patients with angle fractures (16%) experienced complications requiring secondary surgical intervention. Most of the complications (n = 11), however, were minor and could be treated in the office. Most commonly, intraoral incision and drainage and later removal of the bone plate were required. All patients with minor complications had clinical union. Only two complications required hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and further surgery. One of these patients had a fibrous union requiring a bone graft.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of a single miniplate for fractures of the angle of the mandible is a simple, reliable technique with a relatively small number of major complications.