Isolated Bilateral Mandibular Angle Fractures: An Extensive Literature Review of the Rare Clinical Phenomenon with Presentation of a Classical Clinical Model

Abstract

Bilateral angle fractures are a rare clinical phenomenon in contrast to the incidence of unilateral angle fractures. However, the rarity has garnered less attention in spite of the uniqueness of fracture pattern and distinctive biomechanics. This article is a detailed review on the etiology, clinical presentation, and management of bilateral angle fractures with the presentation of an interesting case. The bilateral angle fracture reported is a untreated, malunited fracture representing an ideal clinical model to study its biomechanics. The clinical features were anterior open bite, increased facial height, and temporomandibular joint tenderness. The management included osteotomy at the malunion and miniplate osteosynthesis. Bilateral angle fracture presents mandible in three independent fragments (left angle, right angle, and intermediate corpus), each with strong muscles acting in different vectors. This makes the fracture vulnerable to severe displacing forces and unfavorable to achieve the optimal reduction, stability, and healing. This necessitates comprehension of the biomechanical forces involved to avoid malunion following fixation. The article details the complex biomechanics of mandibular angle and its clinical implications in the rare event of bilateral angle fractures. It describes the necessity for a systematic approach and ideal osteosynthesis principles to achieve maximal treatment outcomes and minimal complications.