Comparison Between Rigid Fixation and Semi Rigid Fixation of Mandibular Angle Fracture

Abstract

Objective: to compare treatment outcomes between rigid fixation by using bone plating and semi rigid fixation by using transosseous wiring with maxillomandibular fixation for the treatment of isolated mandibular angle fractures.

Study Design: A prospective comparative clinical study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro from April 2013 and April 2015.

Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative clinical study was conducted on 30 patients who were treated for isolated mandibular angle fractures. The patients were selected and treated with semi rigid and rigid fixation techniques. The patients were evaluated for 4 weeks for the post-operative complications in terms of infection, malocclusion, malunion and sensory disturbances.

Results: Infection was seen to be more in semi rigid fixation when compared to rigid fixation. (20% vs 6.6%) whereas sensory disturbances (13.3%) were maximally found in rigid fixation technique. Never the less in this study the post-operative complications in either of the techniques were not significant.

Conclusion: In this study analysis of primary complications were done whereas the late complications can also occur. Such occurrences may not be recognized unless long term follow up is undertaken.