Internal stable fixation methods most used in angle fractures

Abstract

The mandible, despite being a tough and heavy bone, is subject to locate fractures in the lower region of the face. In cases of traffic accidents, the force generated by the sudden movement of the head, the jaw absorbs this force and designs on the face. Although 40% of all fa-cial fractures are in the mandible, being 21% of them in the mandibular angle. The ideal treatment for this type of fracture it is still controversial. There are two differents philosophies that surgeons are based in the choice of technique to be used in the tretament of frac-tures in the mandibular angle (FAM): the first group follows the commandments of the AO/ASIF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen), who believes that fracture fragments must be totally immobilized, in other words, must use a rigid method; the second group believes in the fundamentals of the technique developed by Champy, while the attachment means shall be semi-rigid, without the need for absolute immobilization of the fracture stumps. Recent studies indicate that the use of miniplates provide relative sta-bility, in other words, there is no absolute immobiliza-tion. The technique has become popular among surgeons out to be safe, effective and less invasive when properly indicated. It is possible to conclude that there is no need for the surgeon always opts for a single attach-ment means in cases of mandibular angle fracture. The best way of fixing this type of fracture should be chosen according to each clinical case, may be rigid or semi-rigid, with intraoral or extraoral access. This paper aims to conduct a literature survey about fixing means most used by expert surgeons in the treatment of mandibular angle fracture in facial trauma, choosing the optimal technique for each case.