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Comparative Study
. 2025 May 28;29(1):112.
doi: 10.1007/s10006-025-01406-7.

Comparative evaluation of lag screws and miniplates in the fixation of anterior mandibular fractures- a prospective study

Sonal Jawa  1 , G Prathibha  1 , Kavitha Prasad  1 , K Ranganath  1 , Parimala Sagar  1 , Surabhi Chandra  2
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Comparative evaluation of lag screws and miniplates in the fixation of anterior mandibular fractures- a prospective study

Sonal Jawa et al. Oral Maxillofac Surg. .

Abstract

Introduction: Mandibular fractures are among the commonest fractures of maxillofacial region with anterior-mandibular fractures accounting for 8-15%. Mini-plates with or without arch bar is the most commonly used fixation method to achieve ORIF. However, the mandible symphysis is uniquely shaped for the application of lag-screws.

Aim: This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness of lag-screws in comparison with mini-plates in fixation of anterior mandibular fractures.

Methodology: 20 patients diagnosed with anterior mandibular fractures were divided into 2 equal groups. Group-A was treated using lag-screws and Group-B was treated using mini-plates. Radiographs were taken for evaluation of fracture site. The results were assessed for mobility of fracture segments, stability of occlusion, paresthesia, and pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative distances between fracture segments.

Results: There was a significant reduction in clinical distance between the reduced fracture fragments in the lag-screw group. A substantial reduction of radiographic distance between fracture segments was observed post-operatively in the lag-screw group, unlike the mini-plate group. A lesser interfragmentary distance was observed in patients treated with the lag-screw technique.

Conclusion: While lag screws and miniplate techniques are both stable forms of fixation, there is more interfragmentary bony contact with lag-screws, thus ideal for fixation of anterior mandibular fractures.

Keywords: Lag-screws; Mandibular fractures; Maxillofacial surgery; ORIF; Symphysis fracture; Trauma.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical approval: The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. Ethical clearance was obtained from University Ethics Committee for Human Trials Approval, M S Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences on 16th Oct 2019. Consent to participate: We, Dr Sonal Jawa, Dr Prathibha G, Dr Kavitha Prasad, Dr K Ranganath, Dr Parimala Sagar and Dr Surabhi Chandra voluntarily agree to participate in this research study. We understand that even if we agree to participate now, we can withdraw at any time or refuse to answer any question without any consequences of any kind. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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