Fracture Fixation Using Three-dimensional Plate versus Two-dimensional Plate in Mandibular Angle Fractures - A...

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Mandibular fractures require effective management, with open reduction and internal fixation being the standard.
• Controversy persists regarding the optimal fixation methods for mandibular angle fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare treatment outcomes of three-dimensional (3D) plates versus two-dimensional (2D) plates for mandibular angle fractures.
• To evaluate the efficacy and complications associated with each plating system.

Main Methods:

• A clinical comparative study involving 30 patients with mandibular angle fractures.
• Random allocation into two groups: 3D plate fixation and 2D plate fixation.
• Assessment of surgical time, pre- and post-operative occlusion, mouth opening, and complications over 6 months.

Main Results:

• Both plating systems significantly improved mouth opening.
• No significant difference in surgical time or post-operative complications between groups.
• 3D plates showed a significantly smaller gap between bony segments at a specific point (P=0.04), indicating better stability.

Conclusions:

• Three-dimensional plates offer superior occlusal stability for mandibular angle fractures.
• 3D plates facilitate early functional restoration and may reduce the need for inter-maxillary fixation.
• 3D plates represent a viable alternative to conventional miniplates with potentially lower morbidity.