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. 2020 Jan-Jun;11(1):98-105.
doi: 10.4103/njms.NJMS_54_19. Epub 2020 Jun 18.

Efficacy of bioresorbable plates in the osteosynthesis of linear mandibular fractures

Satyavrat Arya  1 , Krushna Bhatt  2 , Ongkila Bhutia  3 , Ajoy Roychoudhury  3
Affiliations

Efficacy of bioresorbable plates in the osteosynthesis of linear mandibular fractures

Satyavrat Arya et al. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2020 Jan-Jun.

Abstract

Background and objectives: There are limited evidences available about the performance of biodegradable system in the treatment of linear mandibular fractures without the aid of postoperative maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). Hence, the present study was planned to evaluate the treatment outcomes in mandibular fractures, using 2.5 mm bioresorbable plates and screws without postoperative MMF.

Methodology: This cohort study compares both prospective and retrospective data. The prospective study treated 20 adult patients with linear mandibular fracture using bioresorbable plates and screws, without using postoperative MMF (Group 1). Retrospective data were collected from a previous published study in which patients were treated with bioresorbable plates and screws with 2 weeks postoperative MMF (Group 2) and those treated with metal plates and screws without postoperative MMF (Group 3). Group 1 patients were followed up at 2 and 4 months to evaluate the functional outcomes in terms of fracture mobility, malocclusion, pain, and soft-tissue deformity and compared with its preoperative findings. Further, the treatment outcomes of Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 were compared among themselves at 2-month follow-up.

Results: Group 1 patients showed a significant improvement in the treatment outcomes at 2 and 4-month follow-up. In addition, when 2 months postoperative outcomes were compared among the three groups, no statistically significant difference was observed in the treatment outcomes.

Conclusion: Endpoint osteosynthesis can be achieved with the bioresorbable fixation system when used in the treatment of un-displaced linear mandibular fractures, without postoperative MMF. A minor modification of using a lower size osteotomy drill can prevent screw loosening.

Keywords: Bioresorbable plates; mandibular fracture; maxillofacial trauma; maxillomandibular fixation; screws; titanium plates.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Preoperative occlusion (left posterior open bite)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Preoperative radiograph showing fracture at right parasymphysis and left angle (arrow)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Parasymphysis fracture
Figure 4
Figure 4
Bioresorbable plates and screws in place at parasymphysis fracture
Figure 5
Figure 5
Left mandibular angle fracture
Figure 6
Figure 6
Fixation using transbuccal instrumentation at left mandibular angle. Arrow showing bioresorbable plate in place
Figure 7
Figure 7
(a and b) Immediate postoperative occlusion and radiograph
Figure 8
Figure 8
(a and b) Four months follow-up occlusion and radiograph showing fracture segment in proper reduction
Figure 9
Figure 9
The lines drawn at the screw holes are unparallel, suggesting a fracture of the plate. The arrow shows the displaced fracture segment
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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