OBJECTIVES: Treating mandibular angle fractures is common in maxillofacial surgery. The aim of this study was to compare lag screw fixation and miniplates. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective investigation compared patients treated with miniplates (n = 24) and with lag screws (n = 21). Inclusion criteria were a solitary angle fracture without comminution or other reasons for load-bearing osteosynthesis. The main parameters for the outcome analysis were fracture gaps at 4 defined measuring points on postoperative radiography. Postsurgical complications were recorded. RESULTS: Fracture gaps measured in panoramic radiographs differed significantly between the lag-screw (average 0.56 mm) group and the group using 1 miniplate (average 0.85 mm) and 2 miniplates (1.40 mm). Miniplate fixation resulted in a wider fracture gap, especially in the region of the lower margin of the mandible. CONCLUSION: Lag-screw fixation demonstrated smaller fracture gaps compared with miniplate fixation.
OBJECTIVES: Treating mandibular angle fractures is common in maxillofacial surgery. The aim of this study was to compare lag screw fixation and miniplates. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective investigation compared patients treated with miniplates (n = 24) and with lag screws (n = 21). Inclusion criteria were a solitary angle fracture without comminution or other reasons for load-bearing osteosynthesis. The main parameters for the outcome analysis were fracture gaps at 4 defined measuring points on postoperative radiography. Postsurgical complications were recorded. RESULTS:Fracture gaps measured in panoramic radiographs differed significantly between the lag-screw (average 0.56 mm) group and the group using 1 miniplate (average 0.85 mm) and 2 miniplates (1.40 mm). Miniplate fixation resulted in a wider fracture gap, especially in the region of the lower margin of the mandible. CONCLUSION: Lag-screw fixation demonstrated smaller fracture gaps compared with miniplate fixation.
Authors: Marco Aurélio Kenichi Yamaji; Patrício José de Oliveira Neto; Michel de Campos Ribeiro; Lucas Cavalieri Pereira; Márcio de Morais; Cássio Edvard Sverzut; Alexandre Elias Trivellato Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg Date: 2015-03