BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION FOR COMPARISON OF 3D TITANIUM MINIPLATES WITH CONVENTIONAL TITANIUM MINIPLATES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES

Aim of the Study:The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the 3-dimensional titanium miniplates against conventional titanium miniplates in the management of mandibular fractures.

Materials and Method:This study included 20 cases of either trauma, reconstructive or orthognathic surgery in which internal fixation is indicated. Patients were assigned to any one of the two equal groups randomly. Group A consisted of 10 patients treated by 3-dimensional titanium miniplates and group B consisted of 10 patients treated by conventional titanium miniplates. Intra-operative parameter included operating time of both the groups. Postoperative clinical examination was carried out on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th weeks and the 3rd postoperative month. Postoperative clinical evaluation included assessment of pain, stability, infection, bite force, wound dehiscence. The results of two groups were compared statistically.

Results:A statistically significant difference was found in the operating time which was less in group A as compared to group B (p = 0.001). The bite forces recorded on 1^st postoperative week were more in group A as compared to group B and were found to be statistically significant at incisor region (p=0.012), right canine region (p=0.014), left canine region (p=0.001), right premolar region (p=0.013) and left premolar region (p=0.046). No significant difference was found in other clinical parameters.

Conclusion:Due to simultaneous stabilization at superior and inferior borders, operating time was relatively less. It provides three-dimensional stability at the fracture site. 3-dimensional miniplate seems to be an easy alternative to conventional miniplates.