Complications of miniplate osteosynthesis in the treatment of mandibular fractures.

Miniplate osteosynthesis with 2.0-mm screws is being increasingly utilized in the treatment of mandibular fractures, midface fractures, zygomatic fractures, orthognathic surgery, and in craniomaxillofacial surgery. It enables better anatomic reduction, better stability of fracture lines, quick recovery and return of function. To examine complications related to its use, data were compiled from the preoperative, immediately postoperative, and 6-months' postsurgery examinations of 143 patients with isolated mandibular fractures. Sixteen of the patients (11.2%) presented with postoperative complications that were related to the miniplate system. The authors' experience and data support the theory that the complication rate is related more to the surgical approach and technique than to the time elapsed between injury and operation.