Isolated Biangular Fracture of the Mandible: A Rare Entity

Abstract

Fractures of the lower jaw bone come with a unique set of challenges due to their effects on the overall health of the individual. An untreated jaw fracture can lead to malunion, which can ultimately affect the neuro-muscular-occlusal coordination of the masticatory unit. The fractures of the non-dentate regions of the mandible are difficult to manage conservatively, especially in the angle region, due to various muscular activities. The difficulty is coupled when the fracture is present bilaterally, and an exclusive treatment modality should be devised on a case-by-case basis. Bilateral angle fractures of the mandible are rare occurrences and are seldom reported compared to unilateral angle fractures. The difficulty in access and the presence of three unstable fragments and third molars in this region warrant the special attention of the surgeon in devising the treatment plan. For effective management of bilateral angle fractures, surgeons require in-depth knowledge of the biomechanics and anatomy of the jaw bones. This article reports a rare case of isolated bilateral angle fracture management post-road traffic accident in a young patient with rigid internal fixation using an intraoral and transbuccal approach.