The “European Mandibular Angle” research project: the epidemiological results from a multicenter European collaboration.

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the demographics, causes and characteristics of mandibular angle fractures managed at several European departments of maxillofacial surgery. Methods: This study is based on a multicenter systematic database that allowed the recording of all patients with mandibular angle fractures between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2017. The following data were recorded: gender, age, etiology, side of angle fracture, associated mandibular fractures, presence of third molar, intermaxillary fixation, osteosynthesis. Results: 1162 patients (1045 males, 117 females) were included in the study. 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 angle fractures (p<.00000005). Conclusions: Assaults and falls actually represent the most frequent causes of angle fractures. The presence of third molars may let the force completely disperse during the determination of the angle fracture, finding a point of weakness.