The “European Mandibular Angle” research project: the analysis of complications after unilateral angle fractures

Objective. The aim of this study was to analyze the complications and outcomes of surgical treatment of angle fractures managed at departments of maxillofacial surgery in several European countries. Study Design. Patients hospitalized with unilateral isolated angle fractures between 2013 and 2017 were included. The following data were recorded: gender and age of patients, fracture etiology, presence of the third molar, maxillomandibular fixation, osteosynthesis technique, and complications. Results. In total, 489 patients were included in the study. The Champy technique was found to be the most frequently chosen osteosynthesis technique. Sixty complications were observed, at a rate of 12.3%. Complications were associated with the absence of third molars (P < .05). Instead, the Champy technique was associated with fewer complications (P < .05), in comparison with the other adopted techniques. Conclusions. The management of angle fractures still represents a challenging task with a significant complication rate. The Champy technique still seems to be a valid option for the treatment of such injuries.