A comparative Study on Single 2.3 Reconstruction Plate and Two Conventional Miniplates in the Treatment of Mandibular Fractures

Abstract

Introduction: After nasal bone fractures, mandibular  fractures are the most common maxillofacial fractures. As a result, several clinical studies were carried out in order to improve the techniques used, shorten the immobilization period, and improve rigid fixation. Rigid fixation with a single 2.3mm reconstruction plate at the inferior border of the mandible is one of these modalities. Objectives: The goal of this study is to compare the clinical and radiographic performance of a single 2.3mm reconstruction plate osteosynthesis with that of two conventional miniplates. Materials and Methods: Two groups of 7 patients with a recent anterior mandibular fracture were formed. Group A received treatment with a single 2.3mm low-profile reconstruction plate, while Group B received treatment with two conventional miniplates. Clinical follow-up was performed after 24 hours, one week, four weeks, six weeks, and twelve weeks. A radiographic examination was also performed immediately after surgery and after twelve weeks to estimate the mean bone density across the fracture line. Results: After twelve weeks, all patients reported statistically significant reductions in pain levels over the course of the study (p<0.001). During the study, all cases showed a statistically significant improvement in their maximal mouth opening; P = 0.002 for group A and p<0.001 for group B. Both groups showed normal occlusion. Nonetheless, one patient in Group A developed a postoperative wound infection, which was treated with antibiotics and proper wound care. In group B, there were no wound infections. By comparing postoperative 12 weeks to immediate values, the average bone density has risen tremendously. But besides this, group A had a higher mean bone density (p<0.001) than group B (p=0.004). Conclusion: In the treatment of anterior mandibular fractures, a single non-locking low-profile reconstruction plate produced comparable results to a single locking low-profile reconstruction plate when compared to conventional two miniplates. A single low-profile non-locking reconstruction plate produced slightly better results than two conventional miniplates.