Comparative Assessment of Double Y-Shaped Versus Conventional Miniplates in Fixation of Mandibular Fractures

The study aims to enhance the patient's quality of life by assessing and contrasting the effectiveness of traditional miniplates and double Y-shaped titanium plates in the treatment of mandibular anterior fractures.

Ten patients with anterior mandibular fractures participated in the study and were randomly divided into two groups (Group A and Group B). The arch bar was inserted once the patient was prepared, and IMF was performed as necessary. An intraoral vestibular incision was made to expose and reduce the fracture site, leaving a 5 mm gingival cuff in place. Group A received fixation using 2 mm double Y-shaped titanium plates and 2 * 8 mm titanium screws, while Group B received fixation using two conventional miniplates and 2 * 8 mm titanium screws. Metrogyl wash was administered, and closure was achieved using 3.0 Vicryl, ensuring sufficient hemostasis. After 48 hours, Dynaplast was used to stabilize the fixation, and IMF was released.

Clinical and radiographic parameters like pain scale, neurosensory dysfunction, wound problems, fracture line width, teeth related to fracture line, and healing progression were assessed at immediate postop, 3 months, and 6 months intervals. Pain was reduced similarly till 3 months where Group A did not report pain at 6 months showing significant differences. On assessing neurosensory disturbance, Group A showed superior difference (p 0.03*). Wound healing, stability of fractured segments, fracture reduction, teeth related to fracture line, and healing improvement were adequate in both groups.

Our study concluded that the use of double Y-shaped titanium plate provides a promising and alternative technique over conventional in the management of anterior mandibular fractures.