RESUMO
PURPOSE: This retrospective study reviewed cases of fractures of the mandibular angle to identify personal data, social traits, fracture characteristics, treatment modalities, and postoperative complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 1999 until July 2004, 114 patients were treated for 115 fractures of the mandibular angle by the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Piracicaba Dental School-Unicamp, in Brazil. RESULTS: More angle fractures were observed in Caucasian (55%) men (89%) with some kind of drug addiction (62%). Patient mean age was 27 years. The majority of fractures in this study were sustained in altercations, including gunshot wounds (43%), followed by vehicle accidents, including bicycles and being struck by a car (39%). Open fractures were the most frequent (90%), with prevalence of the left side (57%). Only 1 patient sustained bilateral angle fractures. Ninety-seven patients (85%) underwent open reduction. Complications occurred in 19 patients (17%); 10 (9%) were infections. Of the total number of complications, 3 underwent another surgical intervention for refixation. The factors that contributed to the development of postoperative complications were social risks that included alcohol abuse, smoking, and intravenous and nonintravenous drug abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Angle fracture management outcomes are affected by many factors beyond method of fixation.