Comparative Assessment of Clinical and Quality of Life Outcomes in Mandibular Angle Fractures Treated with Standard and Three-Dimensional Mini-Plates.

Abstract

To undertake a multidimensional comparative assessment of the standard and three dimensional (3D) mini-plates in managing isolated mandibular angle fractures (MAFs). Thirty-six subjects were divided equally into two groups. Group A underwent fixation with a standard 2mm miniplate, while group B with 2mm 3D mini-plates. Evaluations were done preoperatively (T0), postoperatively at one week (T1), one month (T2) and three months (T3). Maximal inter-incisal mouth opening (MIO) and mean bite force (MBF) at the central incisors, right and left molars were calculated. Postoperative complications and Quality of life (QoL) outcomes were evaluated using the short form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). Mean operative time was almost similar for both groups. Although mean MIO improved significantly from T1 to T3 in both groups, intergroup comparison of MIO was not significant. The MBF values were significantly higher in group B on the right and left molars at T2 and T3. Although significant improvement in OHIP-14 scores was seen from T2 to T3 in both the groups, intergroup comparison of OHIP was not significant. 3D plates demonstrated similar clinical and QoL outcomes compared to the standard mini-plates.