Mandibular Osteosynthesis: A Comparative Evaluation of Two Different Fixation Systems Using 2.0 mm Titanium Miniplates and 3-D Locking Plates

Abstract

To compare and evaluate postoperative complications and treatment outcome in mandibular fracture fixation using 2.0mm titanium miniplates and 3-D locking plates. Thirty patients were divided randomly into two groups of 15 each (including comminuted and malunited fractures). Group A was treated with open reduction internal fixation using 2.0mm miniplates and group B with 3-D locking plates. A total of five complications were observed in four patients: implant exposure and infection in miniplate group and postoperative neurosensory deficit, implant failure and implant exposure in 3-D group. For fractures in symphysis and parasymphysis region, severely displaced angle fractures and for comminuted fractures 3-D locking plate could be a better option. In the angle and body region a single miniplate fixed according to Champy's technique is easy to place with less surgical time, less surgical trauma, is more economical and has similar clinical results.