Analysis of 103 mandibular angle fractures

Abstract EN

Background : The mandible is fractured more commonly than other bones of the facial skeleton and several studies have shown the increased risk of mandible angle fractures associated with the presence of mandible third molars.

This retrospective study reviewed cases of mandible angle fractures to identify personal data, etiology, fracture characteristics, mandible third molar status and treatment modality.

Materials and methods : From January 1970 until December 1989, 100 patients with 103 mandible angle fractures were treated by the department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery at Baghdad College of Dentistry, in Iraq.

Information was obtained from patient's case records and radiographs.

Results : The patient ages ranged from 5-65 years with a mean of 27.2 years, 79 of them were males and 21 females.

The mandible third molar was present in 83 fractures (83 %).

The majority of case was treated by closed reduction and indirect skeletal fixation 87 %.

Conclusion : This study confirmed an increased risk of mandible angle fractures in the presence of a lower third molar, as well as motor vehicle accident was the main etiological factor in developing countries.