Novel Use of Orbita Plates in Mandibular Body Fractures

Isolated fractures of the mandibular body separate the dentate border and compress lower border when subjected to masticatory forces. This study aims at evaluating the efficacy of two Orbita plates in Champy's osteosynthesis lines along with achieving 3D configuration and preventing trauma to mental foramen.

(1) To achieve a near 3D configuration by fixing the terminal parts of both plates in contact with each other; (2) to preserve the mental nerve within the ellipse created by two Orbita plates; and (3) to prevent damage to the root apices from the upper plate.

This study was performed on 20 patients with mandible body fracture through the mental foramina. With the intraoral vestibular approach, two Orbita miniplates were fixed in Champy's osteosynthesis lines. A geometrically closed quadrangular relationship was achieved in the shape of an ellipse, with the mental nerve emerging from it.

Fracture healing was optimum in all the cases along with satisfactory occlusion. Postoperative intermaxillary fixation was not required. Mental nerve function impairment was insignificant.

This served to achieve satisfactory functional outcomes in patients with mandible body fracture without injury to roots and along with achieving a geometrically close quadrangular relationship even where 3D miniplates cannot be placed.