Mandibular Osteosynthesis: A Comparative Evaluation of Two Different Fixation Systems Using 2.0 mm Titanium Miniplates and 3-D Locking Plates

Abstract

Purpose: To compare and evaluate postoperative complications and treatment outcome in mandibular fracture fixation using 2.0 mm titanium miniplates and 3-D locking plates.

Method: Thirty patients were divided randomly into two groups of 15 each (including comminuted and malunited fractures). Group A was treated with open reduction internal fixation using 2.0 mm miniplates and group B with 3-D locking plates.

Results: A total of five complications were observed in four patients: implant exposure and infection in miniplate group and postoperative neurosensory deficit, implant failure and implant exposure in 3-D group.

Conclusion: For fractures in symphysis and parasymphysis region, severely displaced angle fractures and for comminuted fractures 3-D locking plate could be a better option. In the angle and body region a single miniplate fixed according to Champy's technique is easy to place with less surgical time, less surgical trauma, is more economical and has similar clinical results.

Keywords: 3-D locking plate; Malunited; Mandibular fracture; Miniplates.

Fig. 1

3-D plate secured at the fracture site

Fig. 2

2.0 mm locking screw

Fig. 3

Bevel in the plate to engage the thread in the screw head

Fig. 4

On the last turn while seating the screw, the thread in screw head will engage the bevel in the plate

Fig. 5

3-D (2.0 mm titanium) locking plate

Fig. 6

Fractured plate due to overbending

Fig. 7

3-D plate secured at angle region (fracture of vertical strut)

Fig. 8

Duration of surgery