Impact of the Mandibular Gonial Angle on the Incidence of Angle Fractures of the Mandible

Background: Mandibular angle fractures are influenced by anatomical and dental factors, particularly gonial angle size and third molar impaction.

Objective: To assess the association between gonial angle size, third molar impaction, and mandibular angle fractures.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 80 patients with mandibular fractures (40 with angle fractures, 40 with other sites). Panoramic radiographs were used to measure gonial angles and assess third molar impaction. Angles ≥125.5° were considered high. Statistical analysis included Chi-square tests and odds ratios.

Results: Mean gonial angle was significantly higher in angle fracture cases (120.25° ± 9.08) than in others (104.92° ± 7.21) (p < 0.05). High gonial angles were present in 35% of angle fracture cases (OR ≈ 6.64). Impacted third molars were found in 75% of angle fracture cases vs. 50% of others (OR ≈ 3). Age and gender showed no significant differences.

Conclusion: High gonial angle and impacted third molars are significantly linked to increased risk of mandibular angle fractures. Radiographic evaluation can aid in identifying high-risk individuals.