A prospective study of 3 treatment methods for isolated fractures of the mandibular angle.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate treatment outcomes prospectively when isolated fractures of the mandibular angle are treated by 1) nonrigid fixation that includes 5 to 6 weeks of maxillomandibular fixation, 2) nonrigid but functionally stable fixation using a single miniplate, and 3) rigid fixation using 2 miniplates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients treated for isolated fractures of the mandibular angle at Parkland Hospital over a 12-year period were treated by 1 of the 3 methods sequentially assigned. Demographic, fracture characteristic, and treatment and outcome data were prospectively collected and statistically analyzed to determine whether the 3 treatments produced different outcomes.

RESULTS: One hundred eighty-five patients had sufficient follow-up for inclusion in this study. There were no significant differences in demographic data for the 3 groups. There were significant differences in treatment outcomes for several variables, including the amount of time it took to perform the surgery and postoperative wound problems.

CONCLUSION: The use of single miniplate was the easiest to perform and was associated with the lowest number of complications.