The 7-hole angle plate for mandibular angle fractures

Purpose: To evaluate the 7-hole angle plate for open reduction, internal fixation of mandibular angle fractures when the Champy technique is inadequate and more rigid or semirigid fixation is beneficial and to provide rational indications for the choice of the 7-hole angle plate. Patients and Methods: Retrospective evaluation of 10 patients selected at Parkland Memorial Hospital over a 2-year period when the 7-hole angle plate stabilized their angle fracture. Patients were evaluated for postoperative complications including pain, malocclusion, and infection. Results: All 10 patients had sufficient follow-up for inclusion in this retrospective study. Correct placement of the 7-hole angle plate, easily accomplished with adequate assistance, produced no reportable postoperative complications. Conclusion: The 7-hole angle plate is a good first option when more rigid or semirigid fixation is required, and the best fallback when the Champy technique is ineffective.