Abstract :
Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of external oblique ridge platting and lateral cortical plating for mandibular angle fractures.
Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed of patient’s data, who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular angle fractures. Inpatient and outpatient records were reviewed for pertinent data including age, gender, presence of other fractures, type of plating, operative time, and post-operative complications.
Results: 40 patients with angle fracture were included in the study, 60% of them were treated with external oblique ridge plating and the rest 40% with lateral cortical plating. The mean age of the patients were 32.40 years. Main etiology of injury was road traffic accident (RTA). Post-op infection and wound dehiscence was observed in 12.5% and 10% of cases respectively in the external oblique plating group and 2.5% and 5% cases respectively in the lateral cortical plating group. Nonunion was not seen in any of the cases. Implant retrieval was performed in 5% of the external oblique ridge plating group and none in the other group. (p value 0.21). Conclusion: Lateral cortical plate fixation for angle fracture is a better and simple method when compared to external oblique ridge fixation. It is safe and reliable with minimal complications. Hence this technique is recommended for the fixation of mandibular angle fractures for better stability and outcome.
Keyword :
Mandibular angle fracture, External oblique ridge plating, Lateral cortical plate plating, Postop infection, Breakage of plate, Implant retrieval.