Conventional Miniplates Research Articles

A clinical prospective study on the surgical management of zygomatico-maxillary complex fractures using two-point fixation

The ZMC fractures are one of the most frequently occurring maxillofacial injuries due to its prominence and facial contour. The ZMC forms a principle buttress of face and helps transmit occlusal forces to skull base. Fracture of zygomatic bone leads aesthetic and functional deformity. Restoration to premorbid condition is most predictable by ORIF. In this study was to evaluate efficacy of two-point internal fixation using conventional miniplates and screws for ZMC fractures. 35 patients with established unilateral isolated ZMC fractures were operated using two-point fixation method i.e. the maxillary buttress and the fronto-zygomatic suture, followed up for 3 months. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at different follow up intervals. Charts of patients were reviewed for age, gender, etiology, malar height analysis and vertical dystopia. 35 patients in this study, underwent ORIF under GA with two-point fixation. Preoperatively, mean malar height of the patients recorded was 66.55 ± 3.02. There was a significant increase in malar height postoperatively (P < 0.0001). 70.24 ± 2.05, at 1st week, and 69.87 ± 1.98. in 3rd and 6th weeks. Preoperatively, mean vertical dystopia of patients was 2.24 ± 0.71. Postoperative resolution of vertical dystopia was statistically significant (P<0.0001), with value of 0.52 ± 0.52.Integrity of ZMC is important in maintenance of normal facial width and prominence of cheek. Two‑point fixation shows satisfactory results functionally, esthetically and also provides additional advantage by eliminating another surgical site. Thus we conclude that our study provides a basis for further research.

Comparative Study between Titanium Miniplates and Three-dimensional C Plates for Fixation of Mandibular Fractures in the Mental Nerve Region: Randomised, Clinical Study

Abstract Introduction: Mandibular fractures, representing 35.54%–44.2% of facial fractures, often affect the mandibular body and subcondylar region. Effective treatment seeks optimal reduction, stable fixation and functional restoration. This study assesses a modified three-dimensional C plate’s efficacy in treating mandibular fractures, emphasising occlusal forces and the mental nerve region. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical trial (2019–2024) involving 20 patients with mandibular fractures was conducted. Group A (10 patients) received the modified C titanium plate and Group B (10 patients) received conventional miniplates. The clinical parameters – pain, occlusion, mobility, bite force and neurosensory deficits – were evaluated pre- and postoperatively at various intervals. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software. Results: Group A shows superior bite force and functional outcomes, with significant neurosensory recovery by the 10th day. Both groups had no plate fractures, screw loosening or infections. Group A also had better stability, reduced procedural time and improved post-operative comfort. Conclusions: The modified C miniplate provides superior stabilisation, simplifies application, reduces complications and enhances early functional recovery compared to conventional miniplates.

Management of mandibular angle and body fractures using miniplates and 3D plates.

Mandibular angle fractures have the greatest recorded rate of postoperative complications of any mandibular location and hence they present an especially difficult task for surgeons. Therefore, it is of interest to compare the conventional miniplates and three dimensional (3D) plates in management of mandibular angle fracture and body fractures.60 patients with isolated non-comminuted mandibular angle fractures and body fractures were randomly assigned into two groups by lottery. Utilizing Champy's osteosynthesis standards, group one (n = 30) received treatment with 2-mm standard miniplate and group two (n = 30) had treatment with open reduction and internal fixation utilizing 2-mm 3D locking stainless steel plates. The mean operative time was greater in conventional miniplate category as compared to three dimensional plates. Need for postoperative occlusion correction was lesser n 3 dimensional plate category. The incidence of postoperative infection was comparable in both categories. Incidental tooth damage was lesser in three-dimensional plate's category three-dimensional locking plates are an alternate strategy that has a comparable result profile to miniplates.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Double Y-Shaped Miniplate Versus Conventional Miniplates for the Treatment of Mandibular Anterior Fractures

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Double Y-Shaped Miniplate Versus Conventional Miniplates for the Treatment of Mandibular Anterior Fractures

Evaluation of stability of fixation using conventional miniplate osteosynthesis in comminuted and non-comminuted Le Fort I, II, III fractures – A dynamic finite element analysis

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the stability of fixation using conventional miniplate osteosynthesis in comminuted and non-comminuted Le Fort I, II, and III fractures in open and closed jaw movements under masticatory loading conditions.Materials and Methods: About 23 dimensional models of comminuted and non-comminuted Le Fort I, II, and II with traditional miniplate fixation were simulated virtually using a CT scan of the patient and analyzed using ANSYS Workbench 2020 R1 software. The dynamic finite element method was applied by the simulation of the forces of the muscles of mastication upon the fractured midface. The von Mises stress was analyzed and collated for each model; thereby, the stability of conventional miniplate fixation was interpreted.Results: The von Mises stress over the regions of fixation were compared and the tabulated data was interpreted. Considerable von Mises stress was generated on the bone and deformation over the hardware was noted on the pyriform rim in the Le Fort I model, infraorbital rim in the Le Fort II model, and frontonasal region in the Le Fort III model in the closing phase of jaw movement.Conclusion: The findings implicated that the biomechanical stability of conventional miniplate osteosynthesis is insufficient to secure the midface fractured bone under masticatory load.

Evaluation of bite force after microplate and miniplate osteosynthesis for the management of undisplaced or minimally displaced anterior mandibular fractures: A clinical comparative study.

Although the microplate system is commonly used for the treatment of maxillofacial fractures, its use in the fixation of mandibular fractures is not widely accepted. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of microplates and miniplates in osteosynthesis for the internal fixation of undisplaced and minimally displaced anterior mandibular fractures. A total of 40 patients diagnosed with undisplaced or minimally displaced symphyseal and parasymphyseal fractures were randomly assigned to 2 study groups (group A and group B). Patients in group A (microplate group) were treated with two 0.8-mm microplates, whereas patients in group B (miniplate group) received two 2.0-mm miniplates. Bite force values were recorded in 30 healthy individuals (control group) to establish baseline values. Postoperative bite force values were recorded at various intervals and compared between the study groups and the control group. Both groups demonstrated a progressive improvement in the bite force. However, the bite force values recorded at the 2nd, 4th and 6th postoperative weeks were comparatively lower in the microplate group. At the six-week follow-up, the bite force values were lower in both study groups in comparison to the control group. There were no differences in the incidence of postoperative complications between the study groups. The use of microplates in the management of undisplaced or minimally displaced anterior mandibular fractures results in a reduction in the recovery of biting force in comparison to the conventional miniplate system.

Biomechanical analysis and comparison between ‘Zeta’ miniplate design and conventional miniplate system for fixation of fracture segments in transition zone of parasymphysis body region of mandible – an in vitro study

The parasymphysis area of the mandible is highly dynamic because it is subjected to both occlusal and muscular forces. As a result, the fractures in this transition zone have a special pattern, posing a challenge for surgeons whether to use one miniplate versus two miniplates, as per Champy's recommendations. The commonest complication resulting to treat this area is mental nerve paraesthesia due to the dissection and stretching of the nerve. Hence, an in vitro research study of a newly designed ‘Zeta’ miniplate is performed, to evaluate the biomechanical behaviour using finite element (FE) analysis and biomechanical analysis along with a comparison study with the conventional miniplate configurations. The results showed that the Zeta miniplate produces the lowest stresses 17.511 MPa and the least total structural deformation of 0.0011 mm after applying the maximum occlusal bite force. On application of torsional load, total structural deformation was 0.0004 mm and von Mises (VM) stress value was 0.24 MPa which was lowest when compared with the two miniplate system. Hence, the newly developed Zeta miniplate is superior in terms of stability. Another benefit of its design is that it helps in preventing mental nerve paraesthesia and tooth root damage while fixing and stabilising the fractured bony segments.

Z-shaped Miniplates vs Conventional Miniplates for Fixation of Mandibular Parasymphyseal Fractures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a clinically and radiographically Z-shaped miniplate for the fixation of the parasymphyseal fractures. Twenty patients (10 patients in each group) who had parasymphseal mandibular fractures were randomly selected for this study. In this study, open reduction and internal fixation were performed for mandibular parasymphyseal region fractures using two miniplates as group I, and open reduction and internal fixation were performed for mandibular parasymphyseal region fractures using a newly designed Z-shaped miniplate as group II. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were made. Each patient was evaluated: (1) clinically evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively for operating time, ease of placement of the miniplate, and occlusion and (2) radiological: postoperative reduction of fracture was evaluated radiologically at 5-day, 1-month, 2-month, and 3-month intervals with orthopantomogram, and lingual splaying was evaluated by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) immediately postoperatively and at an interval of 3 months. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software, version 25 (SPSS Inc., PASW statistics for Windows version 25). Chicago: SPSS Inc. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the mean intraoperative time. This indicates that group I had a longer time for fracture fixation than group II. Group I had a longer time elapsed for plate adaptation and definitive fixation than group II. Occlusion and reduction stability in both groups were similar. There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative lingual display control after 5 days and 3 months between the studied groups. This indicates that lingual display control in group II is better than in group I. The Z-shaped miniplate is effective and provides three-dimensional stability for the fixation of parasymphyseal fractures, ease of use, easily adapted in cases of fractures near the mental nerve reduced operative time, and better control of lingual splaying than conventional miniplates. The newly designed Z-shaped miniplate is a valuable option for fixation parasymphysis fractures that need open reduction and internal fixation instead of using conventional miniplates, which are less successful in controlling lingual splaying.

Skeletal stability after mandible bilateral sagittal split osteotomy – comparison of patient-specific implant and mini-plate fixation: A retrospective study

The aim of the study was to compare the stability of the virtual surgical planning (VSP) and computer-aided design accompanied by patient-specific implants (PSIs) and conventional mini-plates in mandible advancement with bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO).This retrospective study evaluates the clinical and cephalometric records of 53 patients (12 male, 41 female) treated with BSSO in Helsinki University Hospital. Subjects were divided into two groups: VSP–PSI (21 patients: 4 male and 17 female; mean age 38 years, range 25–53 years); and conventional wafer-based repositioning with mini-plate fixation (32 patients: 8 male and 24 female; mean age 39 years, range 21–56 years). The effect of the amount and direction of the advancement on the stability was also analysed individually. The standardized lateral cephalometric radiographs in three time points were analysed to compare the groups.After surgery (T2), there were no differences between groups in cephalometric variables. During follow-up (T2–T3), the cephalometric variables in both Groups A and B were stable, so there was no difference in stability between the VSP–PSI and the conventional mini-plate groups. During follow-up, the mandibles rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, relapsed towards their original direction, and the changes were statistically significant (jaw relationship; p = 0.018, soft tissue profile; p = 0.025); when the advancement of mandible was >6 mm, the increase in gonial angle compared to mandibles advanced ≤6 mm was statistically significant (p = 0.03).VSP–PSI and conventional mini-plate fixation can be considered equally stable. Large advancements with counterclockwise rotation regardless of fixation method are more susceptible to relapse. VSP-PSI alone cannot solve the relapse-related concerns in mandible osteotomy.

Comparison of bite force evaluation for mandibular angle fracture fixation by conventional miniplates versus new design miniplates: a clinical study.

To evaluate postoperative masticatory efficacy of a new design non-compression titanium miniplate compared to conventional non-compression titanium miniplate on the basis of bite force for treatment of mandibular angle fractures. The prospective study included 20 patients with mandibular angle fractures randomly categorized into 2 groups: Group I, fixation of angle fractures by conventional miniplates, and Group II, fixation of angle fractures by new design miniplates. Evaluation was done for clinical outcome, primarily bite force; radiological outcome; and associated postoperative morbidities at different time intervals. The results showed to be highly significant in terms of mean operating time for plate adaptation and fixation and bite force adaptation (p = 0.003 at follow-up of 6 months) for the newer miniplate compared to the conventional miniplate. No statistically significant difference was seen for postoperative paresthesia, malunion, non-union, occlusal discrepancy, or hardware failure. Within the limits of the study, it appears that the single, monocortical, non-compression, superior border new design miniplate proved to be a successful procedure for treating non-comminuted mandibular angle fractures specifically in terms of enhanced postoperative masticatory efficiency as compared to conventional miniplates. Further clinical studies with larger sample size can derive a more comprehensive conclusion.

Accuracy of Patient-Specific Implants in Virtually Planned Segmental Le Fort I Osteotomies.

(1) Background: In orthognathic surgery, segmental Le Fort I osteotomies are a valuable method to correct maxillary deformities or transversal discrepancies. However, these procedures are technically challenging, and osteosynthesis can be prone to error. (2) Methods: In this retrospective, monocentric cohort study, patients were enrolled who underwent a virtually planned segmental maxillary osteotomy during their combined treatment. Positioning and osteosynthesis were achieved by either a 3D-printed splint and conventional miniplates or patient-specific implants (PSI). The preoperative CT data, virtual planning data, and postoperative CBCT data were segmented. The deviation of all the segments from the desired virtually planned position was measured using the analysis function of IPS CaseDesigner. (3) Results: 28 Patients in the PSI Group and 22 in the conventional groups were included. The PSI group showed significantly lower deviation from the planned position anteroposteriorly (-0.63 ± 1.62 mm vs. -1.3 ± 2.54 mm) and craniocaudally (-1.39 ± 1.59 mm vs. -2.7 ± 3.1 mm). For rotational deviations, the pitch (0.64 ± 2.59° vs. 2.91 ± 4.08°), as well as the inward rotation of the lateral segments, was positively influenced by PSI. (4). Conclusions: The presented data show that patient-specific osteosynthesis significantly reduces deviations from the preoperative plan in virtually planned cases. Transversal expansions and vertical positioning can be addressed better.

BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION FOR COMPARISON OF 3D TITANIUM MINIPLATES WITH CONVENTIONAL TITANIUM MINIPLATES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES

Aim of the Study:The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the 3-dimensional titanium miniplates against conventional titanium miniplates in the management of mandibular fractures. Materials and Method:This study included 20 cases of either trauma, reconstructive or orthognathic surgery in which internal fixation is indicated. Patients were assigned to any one of the two equal groups randomly. Group A consisted of 10 patients treated by 3-dimensional titanium miniplates and group B consisted of 10 patients treated by conventional titanium miniplates. Intra-operative parameter included operating time of both the groups. Postoperative clinical examination was carried out on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th weeks and the 3rd postoperative month. Postoperative clinical evaluation included assessment of pain, stability, infection, bite force, wound dehiscence. The results of two groups were compared statistically. Results:A statistically significant difference was found in the operating time which was less in group A as compared to group B (p = 0.001). The bite forces recorded on 1st postoperative week were more in group A as compared to group B and were found to be statistically significant at incisor region (p=0.012), right canine region (p=0.014), left canine region (p=0.001), right premolar region (p=0.013) and left premolar region (p=0.046). No significant difference was found in other clinical parameters. Conclusion:Due to simultaneous stabilization at superior and inferior borders, operating time was relatively less. It provides three-dimensional stability at the fracture site. 3-dimensional miniplate seems to be an easy alternative to conventional miniplates.

Comparative study between patient specific titanium plates versus conventional miniplates for treatment of mandibular fractures: Randomized clinical trial

The aim of the study was to evaluate and assess the clinical stability and efficacy of three-dimensional patient-specific computer-guided titanium plates versus conventional mini plates when used for the treatment of mandibular fractures. Patients with isolated mandibular body fractures were assigned randomly into two equal groups. Group I was treated with patient-specific 3D titanium plates and Group II was treated with conventional mini plates. Outcome measurements included patient satisfaction, pain, occlusion, occlusal bite force and fracture gap distance. All parameters were evaluated at one-week and three-month intervals. The operating time was measured during the surgery. A total of 20 patients were included in the study. Group I (n=10) showed higher values of patient satisfaction and lower pain values than Group II (n=10) at both follow-up intervals. The degree of occlusal derangement showed no statistically significant difference between both groups at one week postoperatively, while both groups showed normal occlusion after 3 months. Occlusal bite forces in Group I were significantly higher than Group II at both follow up intervals. The fracture gap distance was statistically insignificant between both groups at both follow up intervals. The operating time was significantly lower for Group I. Within the limitations of the study, it seems that in the treatment of mandibular body fractures patient-specific plates are preferred over conventional mini plates as they provide more stability, higher biting forces and shorter operating time with highly acceptable outcomes and promising results.

New design titanium miniplate versus conventional miniplate in treatment of mandibular angle fractures: A comparative study.

Mandibular angle fracture (MAF) is the second most common site of all fractures of the mandible with the highest complication rate. Management of MAF has evolved in the past four decades. The purpose of the prospective study was to compare the efficacy of new design titanium miniplate (NDM) with conventional titanium miniplate (CTM) in the treatment of MAF. Mouth opening, occlusion, bite force measurement, and radiographs compared preoperatively and first week, first month and third month postoperatively. Fourteen patients diagnosed with MAF were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (seven patients) was treated with NDM and Group B (seven patients) with CTM. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at an interval of one week, one month and three months. Repeated measures ANOVA and Post hoc Tukey test showed a significant increase in bite force and mouth opening for both groups in first and third postoperative months. Unpaired t-test showed slightly better mouth opening in Group B and slightly higher bite force in Group A. Both miniplates fulfilled all the study objectives and equally satisfactory healing was seen at the end of third month. NDM offers better stability, rigidity, and anatomic reduction of the fracture with a drawback of difficulty in adaptation and increased operative timing compared to CTM. Hence, we would like to conclude that both miniplates are equally efficient in the treatment of non-comminuted angle fractures with the NDM having upper hand in stability.

Comparison of the Intra and Postoperative Outcomes between 3-D Plates versus 2.0 mm Miniplates in Displaced Mandibular Angle Fractures

Aim: This study aimed to compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes by using Conventional 2mm Miniplate versus 3-D plates in management of Mandibular Angle Fractures.&#x0D; Study Design: Randomized control trial.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Department of Oral &amp; Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS), Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad over 6 months.&#x0D; Methodology: The study included a total of 60 patients having mandibular angle fractures randomly allocated into two groups. 30 of them were treated with 2mm conventional miniplates in group A and 30 cases were 3D plated in group B. Outcomes such as intraoperative time was measured in terms of minutes from the start of surgery till fixation using a stopwatch. Stability was assessed clinically and by postoperative radiographs. Mean and standard deviation was calculated for age duration of fracture and intraoperative time. Whereas frequency and percentage&#x0D; were calculated for gender, occupation, type of displacement. A comparison of the said parameters was also done, subsequently. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS version 22.0.&#x0D; Results: The average age of the patients was 29.50±6.24 years. There were 38(63.3%) male and 22(36.7%) female. Mean intraoperative time in terms of minutes was significantly low in group B than in group A [45.27±7.09 vs. 50.50±7.12; p=0.006]. The rate of stability was 100% in group B and 90% in group A, however, it was not statistically significant between groups (p=0.237).&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of the current study showed good stability, less procedure time required with a 3-D plating system. It could be concluded by the findings that the 3-D plating system has advantages over conventional 2mm miniplates.

Evaluation of the efficacy of Three-dimensional mini plates versus conventional mini plates used in the management of anterior mandibular fractures

The management of mandibular fractures has evolved from closed reduction to open reduction. Champy’s miniplates have become highly popular and is a time-tested method of treatment of mandibular fractures. However, advances like 3D miniplate with claimed advantages like requires less armamentarium, providing better occlusal stabilityEvaluative study conducted in 24 patients &amp; randomly divided in 2 groups, use of 3D miniplate vs conventional miniplates in anterior mandibular fractures, age group 15-90, post-operative evaluation at day 1, 7 &amp; 3 month, fracture stability, mobility of fracture fragment, complications &amp; bite force. The level of significance was fixed at 5% and p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. 3D mini plating system (p value:- .001)have lesser operating time when compared to 2D conventional miniplating system, also 3D miniplate system have better intraoperative and lesser complications, significantly better bite force results (p value .002*(s)) with 3D miniplate compared to 2D conventional miniplating system.3D miniplate a novel form of plating system with better intraoperative and post operative results, better stability compared to conventional miniplating system.

Postoperative skeletal stability at the one-year follow-up after splintless Le Fort I osteotomy using patient-specific osteosynthesis versus conventional osteosynthesis: a randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to assess the 1-year skeletal stability of the osteotomized maxilla after Le Fort I surgery, comparing conventional osteosynthesis with patient-specific osteosynthesis. Patients were assigned to a conventional or patient-specific osteosynthesis group using prospective randomization. The primary outcome was the three-dimensional change in postoperative skeletal position of the maxilla between the 2-week and 1-year follow-up cone beam computed tomography scans. Fifty-eight patients completed the protocol for the 2-week postoperative analysis, and 27 patients completed the 1-year follow-up study protocol. Of the 27 patients completing the entire protocol, 13 were in the conventional group and 14 in the patient-specific osteosynthesis group. The three-dimensional translation analysis showed that the use of the patient-specific osteosynthesis resulted in a skeletally stable result, comparable to that of conventional miniplate fixation. For both the patient-specific osteosynthesis and conventional miniplate fixation groups, median translations of less than 1 mm and median rotations of less than 1° were observed, indicating that both methods of fixation resulted in a stable result for the 27 patients examined. For the Le Fort I osteotomy, the choice between patient-specific osteosynthesis and conventional osteosynthesis did not affect the postoperative skeletal stability after 1 year of follow-up.

Is "Bite force" a reliable parameter to compare masticatory efficiency restoration following ORIF of anterior mandibular fractures?

ObjectivesMandible is an integral part of masticatory system, and it is expected that it’s fracture will have a significant impact on occlusal forces, range of motion, muscle activity levels, and occlusion. The main objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of 3-dimensional (3D) miniplate and conventional miniplates for fixation of anterior mandibular fractures on the basis of bite force as a main parameter.Methods66 patients having isolated anterior mandibular fractures were randomized into two groups equally: Conventional miniplates and 3D miniplates. The bite force at incisor, canine, and molar regions was measured preoperatively and postoperatively at weekly intervals until the sixth week, and the mean bite force as well as changes in mean bite force were compared between two groups.ResultsAn increase in bite force was noted at each subsequent follow up in both the groups across all sites. Statistically significant difference was found in mean bite force values between both the groups during mid-follow up period. The difference in changes in the mean bite force too was observed to be statistically significant during the mid to late follow up period.Interpretation & conclusionBite force is a reliable parameter to assess restoration of masticatory efficiency following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). 3D miniplates when used in anterior mandibular fractures management are efficient enough to withstand masticatory forces throughout the healing process, providing better stability of fractured segments against torsional forces during immediate post-operative period.

“COMPARISON OF LOCKING MINIPLATES WITH CONVENTIONAL MINIPLATES IN MANDIBULAR SYMPHYSIS AND PARASYMPHYSIS FRACTURES - A CLINICAL STUDY”

Aim And Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the efciency of locking miniplates and conventional miniplates in the management of mandibular symphysis and para symphysis fractures. The objectives are to assess the Biteforce, Post-operative occlusion, Post operative complications, as Infection, mal union, non-union and Incidence of hard ware failure. Materials And Methods: This clinical study consisted of a sample size of 12 patients who reported to the department of OMFS, Government Dental College and Hospital, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh with fracture of mandible in symphysis and Para-symphysis region. Patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups of 6 patients each. Group A patients underwent open reduction and internal xation with locking miniplates and group B patients underwent ORIF with conventional miniplates. Results: In this study we found that the increase in bite force was more in group treated with locking miniplates compared to conventional miniplates, and it was statistically signicant. There was no statistical signicance regarding the parameters like post-operative occlusion, post-operative complications, infection malunion non-union and incidence of hard ware failure. The present study Conclusion: concluded that locking plate system is an extremely useful supplement to plate osteosynthesis as it increases the masticatory efciency. Clinically locking plates were found to be better than conventional miniplates in terms of functional improvement. As the present study was done with a limited sample of 12 patients, further clinical trials with larger sample size are suggested for more afrmative and conclusive results.

An In vitro study of biomechanical comparison between titanium 4-hole 3D plates and titanium conventional 4-hole miniplates for internal fixation of mandibular angle fractures.

Fracture fixation, in the present times, is classically done using mini plates. The position and number of plates to fixate a mandibular angle fracture have been and are still extensively researched and reported in the literature. A more recent addition is 3D mini plates. To compare and evaluate the biomechanical behavior of one 2.0mm titanium 3D miniplate fixation plate (4- hole) and one 2.0mm titanium 4-hole miniplate in internal fixation of mandibular angle fractures. To measure load at break, maximum load, and displacement at maximal load for internal fixation done with 3D mini plates and conventional mini plates respectively. Five dry cadaveric mandibles were sectioned into 10 hemi-mandibles. Each cadaveric mandible was sectioned at the angle of mandible to simulate unfavorable mandibular angle fracture. The obtained hemimandible were divided into experimental groups (GROUP 1 and GROUP 2) with 5 samples in each group, plated with a linear miniplate and 3D miniplate respectively. Maximal load, Load at break, and displacement at maximum load were the only obtained parameters for comparison. Conventional miniplate showed greater mean maximum load values of 174.93N±54.45 compared to 3D mini plates which recorded a mean maximum load value of 106.96N±23.86. Load at break and displacement at maximum load were found to be both insignificant. The results in this study showed statistically no significant difference with any of the above parameters except maximal load, between the two groups evaluated. Conventional linear miniplate according to Champy's lines of osteosynthesis can be used successfully for providing satisfactory osteosynthesis with the definitive advantage of cost-effectiveness.