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Complication rate in mandibular angle fractures—one vs. two plates: a 12-year retrospective analysis

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Abstract

Purpose

Treatment of mandibular angle fractures using one or two osteosynthesis plates is still a controversial topic. Fracture, treatment, and patient-dependent influencing factors could affect the overall outcome. In the present retrospective study, complication rates of mandibular angle fractures treated by open reduction were assessed according to type of treatment.

Materials and methods

We analyzed retrospective medical records using the search terms “mandibular angle fracture.” We included all patients presenting with a mandibular angle fracture treated by open reduction and internal fixation at our department between 2002 and 2012.

Results

We included 186 patients treated with open reduction and miniplate fixation (84 one plate; 102 two plates). The early complication rate was significantly higher for the double-plate group (72.5% vs. 47.6%, respectively; p = 0.001). Most common findings in the postoperative period were transient hypoesthesia and tissue swelling. In the two-plate group, a significantly increased operation time of 183 min versus 150 min in the one-plate group was found (p < 0.001). Late complications did not differ significantly between both groups (21.4% single-plate group; 30.4% two-plate fixation group; p = 0.32).

Conclusion

We found a significantly increased early complication rate in the two-plate group. Long-term complications did not differ between both groups.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Craniomaxillofacial and Oral Surgery, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    Raphael Ferrari, M. Lanzer & M. Rücker

  2. Statistical Services, Center of Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

    D. Wiedemeier

  3. Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland

    M. Bredell

Authors
  1. Raphael Ferrari
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  2. M. Lanzer
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  3. D. Wiedemeier
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  4. M. Rücker
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  5. M. Bredell
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Raphael Ferrari.

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Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

The Ethics Committee of Zurich approved the study (Ref. Nr. KEK-ZH No. 2012-0561).

Informed consent

General consent was given by the patients.

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Ferrari, R., Lanzer, M., Wiedemeier, D. et al. Complication rate in mandibular angle fractures—one vs. two plates: a 12-year retrospective analysis. Oral Maxillofac Surg 22, 435–441 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-018-0728-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10006-018-0728-4

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