Evaluation of 3D Trapezoidal Plate Versus 2 Miniplates in Treatment of Subcondylar Fracture

Functional rehabilitation following functional therapy without MMF, closed reduction with maxillomandibular fixation (MMF), and open reduction with/without MMF are the 3 primary recommended adult condylar fractures treatments. The purpose of this study was to assess the 3D trapezoidal plate efficacy in the fixation of extracapsular mandibular subcondylar fractures in comparison with the 2 miniplates.

This comparative, randomized clinical study involved 20 cases that were selected from the outpatient clinic of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Al-Azhar University (Assiut branch). Cases that meet the inclusion criteria will be divided into 2 equal groups: a 3D trapezoidal plate was used to treat group I with an extracapsular subcondylar fracture, while group II, with an extracapsular subcondylar fracture, was treated with 2 standard miniplates.

Electromyography analysis found insignificant differences between the groups for most parameters, except for phase and amplitude in the frontalis muscle. However, the phase was significantly increased in the control group than in the study group (P=0.01). In the frontalis muscle, amplitude was significantly increased in the study group than in the control group (P=0.02). These results suggest that a 3D trapezoidal plate may promote better neuromuscular recovery, particularly in the frontalis muscle.

The 3D trapezoidal plate appears to provide superior long-term functional outcomes, particularly in mouth opening, bone healing, and neuromuscular recovery, making it a promising alternative for improved postsurgical rehabilitation and patient quality of life.