[Does the use of miniplates for fracture treatment influence mandibular growth? An experimental animal study]

The mandibles of 2-month-old rats were artificially fractured and then stabilised with miniplates. The experiments lasted until growth was concluded in the animals. We found an inhibition of mandibular growth due to both the trauma and the operation. The growth retardation due to fracture was increased by the operation. The growth inhibition was directly proportional to the severity of trauma and operation.