Comparison of biting force when using a combination of one microplate and one miniplate versus two miniplates for fixation of parasymphyseal mandibular fracture: the use of microplates for parasymphyseal mandibular fracture.

PURPOSE

This study was to assess the efficiency of using a combination of one microplate and one miniplate for management of patients with parasymphyseal mandibular fractures versus two miniplates through measurement of the biting force.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study sample consisted of sixteen patients with an isolated mandibular fracture and randomly divided into two groups; group I was managed using two miniplates, while group II was managed using a combination of one microplate at subapical region and one miniplate at the inferior border of the mandible. The biting force was measured at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months follow-up visits. A control group consisted of 40 healthy adult volunteers was selected to measure the normal biting force.

RESULTS

The mean of the normal biting force of the control group was 435 N ± 219, 103.2 N ± 4.8, and 390.6 N ± 195.4 at right molar, incisor, and left molar regions respectively. There was a statistically non-significant difference regarding the bite force of both study groups, with a progressive increase through the different follow-up visits and a period of 3 months is sufficient for recovery of patients to regain their normal biting force.

CONCLUSION

Consequently a combination of one microplate and one miniplate is efficient for the management of isolated parasymphyseal mandibular fracture in the same way as two miniplates.