Comparison between two Surgical Approaches for the Management of Mandibular Angle Fracture among Adults at Altamash Dental Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan – A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the frequency of complication among two surgical approaches for the management of mandibular angle fracture.

Study Design: Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT)

Place and Duration:  Department of Oral Surgery, Altamash Dental Hospital Karachi, Pakistan from June 2020 to December 2020.

Methodology: Adult patients between the age of 18-65 years from both gender presenting with unilateral and bilateral mandibular angle fracture were included in the study. Participants were divided into two equal groups i.e., intraoral and extraoral based on the surgical approach they would be receiving. Diagnosis was based on clinical history, examination, and dental radiographs.

Results: Among the 140 participants enrolled participants the average age was 33.87 ± 11.39.  There were 118 (84.3%) males and 22 (15.7%) females. Both the infection rate and nerve injury were statistically significant in the extra-oral group i.e., 7 (5%) and 18 (12.9%) respectively as compared in the intraoral group (p-value = 0.007, < 0.001).

Conclusion: The risk of postoperative complication was higher in the extraoral approach as compared to the intraoral approach. Also, the intraoral approach exhibited enhanced radiographic reduction in fracture gap along with less external scarring inclining that it is a better approach to the management of mandibular fracture.