Comparative evaluaton of 3-dimensional non locking versus 2-dimensional locking matrix miniplate osteosynthesis in mandibular fracture Treatment : a prospective study and clinical outcomes

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the feasibility, advantages, disadvantages and complications in mandibular fractures treatment using 3-D non locking miniplate and 2-D non locking miniplates. Materials and Methods: This study involves of 40 patients divided into two groups I & II (20 each) treated with ORIF using 2mm locking miniplates and 3-D plate respectively. Results: Mean duration of surgery (minutes) was 22.4±2.75 for group I and 13.8±1.93 for group II. One patient in group I showed slight wound dehiscence. Two patients in group I and one patient in Group II had slight occlusal discrepancy which was corrected by coronoplasty and elastic traction. One patient in group I and two in group II, showed lip paraesthesia. Other clinical parameters like pain, swelling, trismus, wound healing, infection, malunion were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: 3D miniplate system is a better and easier method for fixation of mandibular fractures, compared with the locking miniplate. The 3D miniplate system provides good stability in most cases and operative time is shorter. But it cannot be used in fractures involving mental nerve and oblique fractures. Short sample size and short term follow were our limitations.