Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the treatment of mandibular angle fractures via a single biodegradable plate and addressed complications such as malocclusion, infection, soft tissue dehiscence, and nonunion in these patients. Patients and Methods: This prospective study consisted of 19 fractures in 19 patients (18 males and 1 female) with unilateral fractures of the mandibular angle treated by open reduction and rigid internal fixation using 1 biodegradable plate through an intraoral incision. The resorbable plates and screws used consisted of an amorphous injection molded copolymer of L-lactide/D-lactide/trimethylene carbonate Onion CPS System, Tampere, Finland). Light elastic traction was placed for 14 days postoperatively and patients were followed after operation at 1, 4, 8, and 24 weeks. Panoramic and posteroanterior views of the mandible were taken for evaluation of union. Results: Clinical and radiographic evaluation indicated union of all fractures after 24 weeks. Three of the patients (15.7) treated with single biodegradable plate experienced some complications. All the complications were minor and treated in the office. Two patients with infection were treated with oral antibiotic administration without plate removal. One patient with mild malocclusion was treated with elastic traction. There were no cases of nonunion or dehiscence. Conclusion: Based on this limited series of patients, the use of a single biodegradable plate for unilateral mandibular angle fractures is a reliable fixation technique with minor complications. (C) 2010 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 68:1573-1577, 2010