Comparative Evaluation of Clinical Outcome Including Neurosensory Deficit and Pain Score Variables Using Rigid...

Purpose  There have been numerous advancements in the strategies used for treating mandibular fractures in the present times, while open reduction and internal fixation is still accepted as the most preferred treatment option for such fractures despite numerous drawbacks. The aim of the present prospective, randomized controlled study was to evaluate the clinical outcome including neurosensory deficit and pain score variables in mandibular fractures that were treated using rigid internal fixation with three-dimensional (3D) miniplate internal fixation. Materials and Methods  For the present study, a total of 20 patients of either sex in an age range of 18 to 55 years with simultaneous angle and contralateral body/parasymphysis fractures of the mandible were included, while the clinical outcome was compared in relation to the two groups wherein different treatment options were used including using rigid internal fixation in one as against 3D miniplate internal fixation in the other. Results  Pairwise comparison of pain scores in Group I and Group II patients by the Mann-Whitney U-test at different time zones revealed the results to be statistically significant for all pairs except when the findings were compared between 1 month and 3 months after the procedure in Group II patients. Also, significant recovery was observed in both Group I and II patients during healing when assessed preoperatively to 1 month and then 3 months after the procedure with the results being statistically highly significant in case of the variations observed in relation to the neurosensory deficit observed at different time zones for both Group I and II patients ( p  = 0.0001). Conclusion  Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that 3D miniplate-led osteosynthesis was found comparable to the osteosynthesis accomplished using reconstruction plates during fixation of unfavorable body/parasymphysis fractures of mandible in study, providing optimal stability, while satisfactorily meeting the biomechanical requirements for occlusal loading, and an early return to normal function.