Noncompression unicortical miniplate osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures

The use of transoral noncompression unicortical miniplates in treating 42 consecutive patients with 64 displaced mandibular fractures (excluding subcondylar) was reviewed. Titanium miniplates (Wurzburg) were used for fixation. The principles set forth by Champy and colleagues, with two plates for body and symphyseal fracture fixation and one plate superiorly along the oblique ridge for angle fractures, were performed. Intermaxillary fixation was not used postoperatively. Results compared favorably with other forms of treatment with no evidence of postoperative malocclusion, with an overall complication rate of 3%. The advantage of no external incision, avoidance of intermaxillary fixation, and normal postoperative incisal opening and occlusion make this technique our treatment of choice.