Management of mandibular interforaminal fractures using 3 dimensional locking and standard titanium miniplates - a comparative preliminary report of 10 cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this follow up clinical study was to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of 2mm 4 holed 3-dimensional (3D) locking titanium miniplates over standard miniplate fixation using Champy's technique in the management of interforaminal mandibular fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized double blind clinical trial was carried out in patients with well defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were followed for a period of 2 months at the intervals of 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 2 months by a blinded senior oral surgeon for wound dehiscence, infection, postoperative occlusion, significant postoperative complications, need for post-operative inter maxillary fixation and radiological evaluation of reduction, fixation.

RESULT: 10 patients were enrolled in both the groups in this preliminary report with no case of clinically significant postoperative complications. In comparison, 3D locking plates were economical, easy to adapt, required less operating time, and provided better stability. However, 2 patients in group 1 (3D locking plates) with severely displaced unfavourable fractures required 6 holed plates or more for adequate stability.

CONCLUSION: Because of its added advantages and encouraging results in comparison to standard miniplate, we suggest use of 3D 4 holed locking 2mm titanium miniplate for the management of isolated moderately displaced mandibular fractures in inter mental foramen region.