Treatment of Comminuted Mandibular Angle Fractures Using Champy Technique.

Objective: Isolated and noncomminuted mandibular angle fractures are commonly fixed with a single miniplate on the superior border (Champy technique) through an intraoral approach. However, the use of this technique for comminuted mandibular angle fractures has not been reported yet. This article verified that the Champy technique can also be used to treat comminuted mandibular angle fractures.

Methods: The authors compared the therapeutic effects of using the Champy technique for intraoral fixation of comminuted mandibular angle fractures with or without alveolar bone defect. The dislocated teeth were removed. Iodoform gauze was used in a patient with alveolar bone defects and incomplete closure of soft tissue.

Results: A patient with comminuted mandibular angle fractures without alveolar bone defect experienced primary wound healing and good occlusion after surgery. A patient with comminuted mandibular angle fractures accompanied by alveolar bone defect and incomplete closure of soft tissue has an intraoral fistula and bone resorption until 2 months postoperatively. At 6 months postoperatively, the occlusion remained stable and callus healing had been completed.

Conclusion: The Champy technique for intraoral single plate fixation is feasible for comminuted mandibular angle fractures. Incomplete closure of soft tissue leads to exposure of the bone marrow cavity, resulting in delayed fracture healing.