Does Three-Dimensional Plate Offer Better Outcome and Reduce the Surgical Time Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Adult Mandibular Unilateral Subcondylar Fractures. A Randomized Clinical Study.

PURPOSE

The management of the condyle fractures continue to be a source of perineal controversy in the field of oral and maxillofacial trauma. The aim of this study was to compare the surgical feasibility, functional outcome, and stability of fixation between the conventional miniplate and 3-dimensional plate in the management of adult mandibular unilateral subcondylar fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective randomized clinical study with well-structured inclusion and exclusion criteria was carried out. Patients were allocated into Group A (Miniplates) and Group B (3-D Plates). The primary outcome variables were time taken for fixation, maximum mouth opening, occlusal stability, increase in angulation, and increase in the gap between fractured segments in the radiograph. The secondary outcome variables were needed for intermaxillary fixation (IMF) with guiding elastics and jaw movements. Statistical analysis was done using χ test and student's t test with P value less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients (40 male and 4 female) were enrolled, with 22 patients in each group. Time taken for fixation using 3-D plates was significantly lower than conventional miniplates (9.6 ± 0.9 minutes with P value 0.001). Although clinical parameters showed improved results for Group B, there was no statistical significance. Radiological parameters ie increase in angulation, and increase in the gap, showed statistically significant results. Group A had significant increases in the angulation of the fractured condyle at the end of the third and sixth months with a P value of 0.008 and 0.0001, respectively. The gap between the fractured segments was significantly increased in Group A at the end of the first and third months, with a P value of 0.022 and 0.003, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results concluded that 3-D plate offers superior fracture fragment stability and less displacement of the fractured segments. It has an added advantage of the ease of adaptation and shorter operating time.