Comparison of intra-oral and extra-oral approaches in mandibular angle fractures

Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of intra-oral and extra-oral approaches to mandibular angle fractures. Material and Methods: A Retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Maxillofacial surgery, Government Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, India, for 1 year. Total 80 Patients with angle fracture that required open reduction and internal fixation were include in this study. All the Patients were reviewed for age, gender, presence of other fractures, type of surgical approach, OT time, which was calculated from the beginning of the incision till the closure. Length of admission and complications such as malocclusion, non-union, re-operation, post-op infection, neurosensory deficit, facial nerve injury, implant retrieval, scarring and wound dehiscence were also studied. Result: There were a total of 80 patients with mandibular angle fracture who underwent open reduction and internal fixation, 40 (50%) of them were treated intra-orally and the remaining 40 (50%) of them extra orally. The main etiology of injury was RTA in both the groups 30 (75%) in extra-oral group and 25 (62.5%) in intra-oral approaches. The mean operating room time for intra-oral approach was 81.89 minutes when compared to 99.8 minutes for extra-oral approach ( p < 0.05). Intra-oral approach had a mean length of stay of 2.1 days and 2.69 days for extra-oral approach (p=>0.05). Malocclusion was seen in 5(12.5%) subjects of extra-oral group and 8 (20%) subjects of intra-oral approach patients (p=>0.05). Conclusion: We conclude the use of intraoral approach while clinically favorable with single miniplate along the superior border.