Reconstruction plates versus single or dual miniplates for angle fractures: Hardware failure and non-union rates

Mandibular angle fractures remain common in facial trauma, yet optimal fixation methods remain controversial due to variable hardware failure and non-union rates. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate reconstruction plates (n=58), single miniplates (n=64) and dual miniplates (n=64) in 186 patients over 5 years with ≥12-month follow-up. Outcomes assessed included hardware failure, non-union, infection and malocclusion across all groups. Reconstruction plates demonstrated superior results with the lowest hardware failure (3.4%) and non-union (1.7%) rates versus single miniplates (12.5%, 6.3%) and dual miniplates (6.3%, 3.1%) (p<0.05). Reconstruction plates provide optimal biomechanical stability for complex mandibular angle fractures, particularly with unfavourable patterns, inadequate dentition, or poor patient compliance.