ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to evaluate and assess the clinical stability and efficacy of three-dimensional patient-specific computer-guided titanium plates versus conventional mini plates when used for the treatment of mandibular fractures. Patients with isolated mandibular body fractures were assigned randomly into two equal groups. Group I was treated with patient-specific 3D titanium plates and Group II was treated with conventional mini plates. Outcome measurements included patient satisfaction, pain, occlusion, occlusal bite force and fracture gap distance. All parameters were evaluated at one-week and three-month intervals. The operating time was measured during the surgery. A total of 20 patients were included in the study. Group I (n=10) showed higher values of patient satisfaction and lower pain values than Group II (n=10) at both follow-up intervals. The degree of occlusal derangement showed no statistically significant difference between both groups at one week postoperatively, while both groups showed normal occlusion after 3 months. Occlusal bite forces in Group I were significantly higher than Group II at both follow up intervals. The fracture gap distance was statistically insignificant between both groups at both follow up intervals. The operating time was significantly lower for Group I. Within the limitations of the study, it seems that in the treatment of mandibular body fractures patient-specific plates are preferred over conventional mini plates as they provide more stability, higher biting forces and shorter operating time with highly acceptable outcomes and promising results.
