Complication rates in angle fractures with or without retaining third molars: A comparative study

Authors : Abhinandan Patel K N, Abhinandan Patel K N, Kora Ramya Reddy, Kora Ramya Reddy, Girish G, Girish G, Sneha T R, Sneha T R

DOI : 10.18231/j.jooo.2020.004

Volume : 6

Issue : 1

Year : 2020

Page No : 12-15

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess whether the third molar in the line of mandibular angle fracture predisposes to post-operative infection, which further may lead to implant retrieval.
Materials and Methods: Surgically rehabilitated cases of mandibular angle fracture at our center Sanjay Gandhi institute of trauma and orthopedics from 2016 to 2019 were considered in the study. During this period 49 cases were followed up for over a period of 6 months at 3 moths and 6months interval. All the cases were operated by the same surgeon using universal aseptic precautions using semi- rigid fixation.
Results: Out of 49 cases, 20 cases the third molar was removed and in 29 cases the third molar was retained. The mean age group of the population of the study was 33.67 (18 to 60 years), out of which majority of the cases 93.9%(46) were male patients and 6.3%(3) were female patients. The main etiology of the cases were attributed to RTA. 96.3%. At the end of the 6 months follow up it was noted that 4 plates in case of retained group and 2 plates in removed group. In the 3 month follow up in 4 cases of the retained third molar was extracted due to signs of infection. When the tooth in question was removed, infection did not occur. At the 3rd to 6 month follow another 4 retained third molars were extracted along with implant retrieval.
Statistically the relationship between the two groups were analyzed using Chi-square test bivariate statistics. A P ? 0.05 was taken as significant.
Conclusion: In our study we could not provide any concrete evidence to form a protocol for the management for the third molar in the line of mandibular angle. Retaining the third molar in the line of fracture has an increased chance of post-operative infection. We would like to conclude that partially impacted tooth are best to be removed during the procedure for better outcomes provided the fractured segments stability is maintained. Until an algorithm is set for the management of the third molar in the line of fracture, the dilemma of retaining or removing still stays and varies from case to case and on the surgeon’s experience.

Keywords: Mandibular angle, Third molar, Tooth in line of fracture.


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