Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of intra-oral and trans-buccal surgical approaches in reducing post-operative complications and improving clinical outcomes in patients with mandibular angle fractures.
Study Design & Setting: This prospective comparative observational study was conducted at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Dentistry, CMH Lahore Medical College, from May 2025 to October 2025.
Methodology: A total of 92 patients with isolated mandibular angle fractures were enrolled, with 46 treated using the intra-oral approach (Group A) and 46 using the trans-buccal approach (Group B). Data were collected on operative time, intra-operative blood loss, infection, swelling, paraesthesia, and fixation stability. Outcomes were categorized as effective, partially effective, or ineffective. Statistical analysis included chi-square/Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, independent t-test for continuous variables, logistic regression for predictors of effectiveness, and relative risk analysis for complications.
Results: The mean duration of surgery (75.3 ± 12.4 vs 68.7 ± 11.5 min, p = 0.01) and intra-operative bleeding (85.6 ± 15.2 vs 78.4 ± 12.8 mL, p = 0.03) were significantly higher in the intra-oral group. Infection (21.7% vs 10.9%, p = 0.17) and paraesthesia (8.7% vs 4.3%, p = 0.40) were more frequent in the intra-oral group, although not statistically significant. Overall success rate was significantly higher in the trans-buccal group (93.5% vs 82.6%, p = 0.04). Logistic regression confirmed the trans-buccal approach as an independent predictor of effective outcome (Adjusted OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.02–6.54, p = 0.045). Relative risk analysis showed higher risks of infection (RR = 2.00), severe swelling (RR = 1.80), and paraesthesia (RR = 2.00) in the intra-oral group, though without statistical significance.
Conclusion: The trans-buccal approach offers significant advantages in terms of shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, and higher overall effectiveness compared with the intra-oral approach. Although infection and complication risks were higher in the intra-oral group, differences were not statistically significant. These findings support the trans-buccal approach as a more reliable surgical option for mandibular angle fractures.
Keywords: Intra-oral approach, Trans-buccal approach, Mandibular angle fracture, Logistic regression, Post-operative complications, Maxillofacial surgery
How to cite this article: Hussain H, Abbas W, Mahmood HN, Mustafa M, Ghaffar M, Pasha P. Effectiveness of Intra-Oral Versus Trans-Buccal Techniques in Reducing Post-Operative Complications (Infection and Swelling) In Mandibular Angle Fractures. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(3s): 388-393; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.3s.49