COMPARISON OF BITE FORCE RECOVERY FOLLOWING TREATMENT OF MANDIBULAR ANGLE FRACTURE USING ONE AND TWO MINIPLATES

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Rigid internal fixation using compression and non-compression plating systems has gained widespread popularity. The maximal bite force is the effort exerted between the maxillary and mandibular teeth when the mandible is elevated by the masticatory muscles. OBJECTIVES: The Present study was conducted to compare the bite force recovery in patients with mandibular angle fractures treated by one monocortical miniplate and two monocortical miniplates fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bite force (in kg) was recorded in fourteen patients with mandibular angle fractures. Comparative evaluation of bite force generated was performed between seven cases treated with one monocortical miniplate and seven cases treated with two monocortical miniplates. Bite force generated by patients with mandibular angle fractures was recorded in incisor, premolar and molar regions preoperatively. The fracture fragments were fixed using the above fixation techniques. Then same recordings were undertaken weekly for 6 weeks and at 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Bite force increased gradually in both groups in the anterior region, premolar region (right and left) and molar region (right and left) during the follow up period except a drop in group I during the 5th week in the right molar region. A statistically significant difference was found between the change in bite force from the previous follow-up visit in groups 1 and 2. This was shown from week 1 to week 4 in the incisor region, at week 1 in the right premolar region, at week 3 in the left premolar region, at week 5, 6 and 12 in the right molar region and at week 6 and 12 in the left molar region. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference between the uses of either one or two miniplates osteosynthesis in fixation of angle fractures. The miniplate osteosynthesis had proven to be a suitable method for treating mandibular angle fractures.