The "European Mandibular Angle" Research Project: The Epidemiologic Results From a Multicenter European Collaboration.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic variables and causes and characteristics of mandibular angle fractures managed at several European departments of maxillofacial surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was based on a multicenter systematic database that allowed the recording of data from all patients with mandibular angle fractures between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. The following data were recorded: gender, age, etiology, side of angle fracture, associated mandibular fractures, presence of third molar, intermaxillary fixation, and osteosynthesis. RESULTS: The study included 1,162 patients (1,045 male and 117 female patients). A significant association was found between the presence of a third molar and the diagnosis of an isolated angle fracture (P < .0000005). Furthermore, assaults were associated with the presence of voluptuary habits (P < .00005), a younger mean age (P < .00000005), male gender (P < .00000005), and left-sided angle fractures (P < .00000005). CONCLUSIONS: Assaults and falls actually represent the most frequent causes of angle fractures. The presence of a third molar may let the force completely disperse during the determination of the angle fracture, finding a point of weakness.

The "European Mandibular Angle" research project: the analysis of complications after unilateral angle fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the complications and outcomes of surgical treatment of angle fractures managed at departments of maxillofacial surgery in several European countries. STUDY DESIGN: Patients hospitalized with unilateral isolated angle fractures between 2013 and 2017 were included. The following data were recorded: gender and age of patients, fracture etiology, presence of the third molar, maxillomandibular fixation, osteosynthesis technique, and complications. RESULTS: In total, 489 patients were included in the study. The Champy technique was found to be the most frequently chosen osteosynthesis technique. Sixty complications were observed, at a rate of 12.3%. Complications were associated with the absence of third molars (P < .05). Instead, the Champy technique was associated with fewer complications (P < .05), in comparison with the other adopted techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The management of angle fractures still represents a challenging task with a significant complication rate. The Champy technique still seems to be a valid option for the treatment of such injuries.

The "European zygomatic fracture" research project: The epidemiological results from a multicenter European collaboration.

PURPOSE: Fractures of the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) are common injuries that may lead to loss of an aesthetically pleasing appearance and functional impairment. The aim of this study was to analyze the demographics, causes, characteristics, and outcomes of zygomatic fractures managed at several European departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is based on a multicenter systematic database that allowed the recording of all patients with ZMC fractures between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017. The following data were recorded: gender, age, personal medical history, etiology, side of zygomatic fracture, classification of ZMC fracture, associated maxillofacial fractures, symptoms at diagnosis, type of performed treatment, and sequelae/complications. RESULTS: A total of 1406 patients (1172 males, 234 females) were included in the study. Statistically significant correlations were found between assault-related ZMC fractures and the A3 class (p < .0000005) and between Infraorbital Nerve (ION) anesthesia and B class (p < .00000005). CONCLUSION: The most frequent cause of ZMC fractures was assault, followed by falls. The most frequently involved decade of age was between 20 and 29 years. The decision and type of surgical treatment of ZMC fractures depends on several issues that need to be considered on a case by case basis.