Evaluation of 3-Dimensional Titanium Miniplates in Mandibular Fractures

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Mandibular fractures are one of the mostcommon fractures of facial skeleton because of its prominentposition in maxillofacial region. Traditionally, surgeons haveattempted to achieve anatomic reduction, immobilization andfixation, prevention of infection and rehabilitation of function.The aim of our study was to evaluate the following parameterslike surgical procedures, infection, hardware failure, wounddehiscence, neurosensoery deficit, and fate of implant.Material and methods: The present study was conducted inthe Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, after obtainingethical clearance. A total of 20 patients were selected toevaluate the usefulness of 3-Dimensional titanium miniplatesin fixation of mandibular fractures. After surgical exposure,either straight 6 holed or 8 holed or curved 8 holed 3-Dtitanium miniplates are placed. The patients were in the agegroup of 21-40 years. Etiology of trauma in most of the patientwas Road traffic accident (70%).Result: The frequency of fracture site being mainlyparasymphysis fracture (50%). Two patients had infection(10%). None of the patients had malunion or nonunion. The3-Dimensional titanium miniplates are suitable for fixation ofsimple mandibular fractures and an easy to use alternative toconventional miniplates.Conclusion: This plate is associated with good stability offracture segments and low infection rate