Angle - complex

These are complex fractures in the area between the canine teeth of the mandible.

Complex fractures include:

• Comminuted fractures
• Chronically infected simple fractures
• Defect fractures

Comminuted fractures involve at least two fracture lines and three or more fragments in the same region of the mandible. Complex fractures include:

• Basal triangle (wedge) fractures
• Segmental fractures

Complex angle fractures are much less common than simple. It is usually the result of interpersonal violence with a blow to the side of the face.

They occur in isolation but are more commonly associated with a contralateral fracture of the body or symphysis.

These fractures involve the inferior alveolar canal, routinely causing numbness to the lip and chin on the injured side.

Most angle fractures involve the socket of the third molar tooth when present.

Angle fractures also have the highest rate of postoperative complications of all mandible fractures.

Panoramic radiograph of a complete, minimally displaced, potentially open basal triangular wedge fracture through the right mandibular angle.

AP view of the same case

AP view of another complex mandibular angle fracture with a basal triangle wedge.