Treatment of Mandible Fractures Using Bioabsorbable Plates: Preliminary Study

ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the short-term outcome of treating fractures of the mandible with bioabsorbable plates. Thirty-four fractures of the mandible in 27 patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using bioabsorbable plates and 2.4-mm, 2.0-mm, and 1.5-mm pre-tapped screws. The duration of intermaxillary fixation ranged from 0 to 23 days, with a mean of 5.3 days. Patients were evaluated for complications during the follow-up period, which ranged from 2 to 18 months. Five patients (18.5%) experienced complications. These included infection (four patients), and premature occlusal contact (one patient). Except for one case, all complications were minor and adequately managed with incision and drainage, elastic traction, and medication. Delayed infection (osteomyelitis) developed in a symphysis fracture and was treated by saucerization and antibiotics. The fracture line subsequently showed complete consolidation. Bioabsorbable plates can be selectively used for internal fixation in mandibular fractures with the advantage that they do not need to be removed.