A comparison between 2.0-mm standard and 2.0-mm locking miniplates in the management of mandibular fractures

• Published in: Journal of maxillofacial and oral surgery Vol. 8; no. 2; pp. 145 - 149
• Main Authors: Saikrishna, D., Shetty, Sujeeth Kumar, Marimallappa, T. R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Springer-Verlag 01-06-2009; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Clinical Study; Dentistry; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery; Otorhinolaryngology; Plastic Surgery; Mandible fractures; Locking miniplate
• ISSN: 0972-8279; 0974-942X
• DOI: 10.1007/s12663-009-0036-5

Purpose
The purpose of this clinical study was to compare effectiveness of 2.0-mm locking miniplates and screws with 2.0-mm standard miniplates and screws in treating mandible fractures.
Patients and methods
A randomized prospective study comprising of 40 samples, where 20 patients (group 1) were treated with locking plates and 20 patients (group 2) were treated with standard miniplates. All the cases were evaluated for the type of fracture, need for the Intermaxillary Fixation (IMF) and its duration, duration of surgery, anatomic reduction, paresthesia / neurosensory changes, occlusal discrepancies, infection at the fracture site and any need for the removal of the plates and screws.
Results
In our study Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) accounted for the majority of patients 30 (70%). RTA was more prevalent (52.5%) in 21–30 age group, with assault being more common (67%) in 25–35 years. There was a significant difference between group 1 and 2 in postoperative occlusal discrepancy and need for IMF (p=0.008). There was no significant difference in complication rates between group 1 and group 2 patients.
Conclusion
Locking plate/screw system proved to be more rigid than conventional plate/ screw system, thereby reducing the need and duration of IMF. However there was no significant difference in complication rates.