Comparative evaluation of 2.0-mm locking plate system vs. 2.0-mm nonlocking plate system for mandibular fractures--a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the efficacy of the 2.0-mm locking miniplate/screw system in comparison to the 2.0-mm nonlocking miniplate/screw system in mirror image mandibular fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A retrospective clinical trial was reviewed in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Government Dental College, Pt. B.D. Sharma University of Health Sciences Rohtak for a period of 30 months (June 2007 to December 2009). A total of 30 patient pairs with isolated identical mandibular fracture (single or multiple) having 88 fractures were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 11 complications that occurred represented 12.5% of the total. Six complications occurred at angle, three in the body and two at parasymphysis. Four complications occurred in the locking group and seven in the nonlocking group, with complication rates accounting for 9% and 16%, respectively. When comparing the overall complication rates according to plates used, the chi-square test showed no statistically significant difference between the locking and nonlocking plates (p > 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Mandible fractures treated with the 2.0-mm locking plates and the 2.0-mm nonlocking plates present similar short-term complication rates.