Bilateral rigid fixation of combined angle and body/symphysis fractures of the mandible

BACKGROUND: Combined angle and contralateral body/symphysis fractures would require the application of hardware with increased rigidity and strength on at least one of the fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine a sample of patients treated with rigid fixation for this common mandibular fracture. METHODS: All dentate patients treated for combined fractures of the mandibular angle and contralateral body or symphysis that were treated by open reduction and internal fixation by bilateral rigid fixation were included in this study. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were included in the study. The re-establishment of the pretraumatic normal occlusal relationship at last follow-up visit was observed in all patients. Only 4 patients showed minor complications. CONCLUSIONS: A bilateral rigid fixation in patients with bifocal mandibular fractures may still be considered a valuable treatment option, especially in patients with a poor compliance or when a postoperative maxillo-mandibular fixation has to be avoided.