Evaluation of condylar position in anterior mandibular fractures using 3 dimensional miniplate osteosynthesis versus conventional miniplates: Randomized clinical trial.

To compare clinically and radiographically between the 3-D plates and the conventional two Champy's miniplates in the treatment of anterior mandibular fractures. It is a randomized clinical and radiographic comparative study between 2 equal groups of patients with isolated anterior mandibular fractures. Open reduction and internal rigid fixation was accomplished in the study group using 3D miniplates fixation while in the control group using the two Champy's miniplates. The 3D miniplate osteosynthesis consumed less operative time than the two miniplates osteosynthesis. Independent t-test revealed that the difference between the 2 groups was 8.4 ± 3.11 min. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.012). Occlusion was slightly disturbed in two patients in the study group in comparison to three patients in the control group. The difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (p=0.62). None of the cases of both groups showed mobility between the reduced and fixed fractured segments, immediately post-operatively and at the end of follow-up intervals. The 3D miniplate osteosynthesis (study group) recorded less intercondylar distance than two miniplates osteosynthesis (control group) immediately post-operatively and after 3 months. Independent t-test revealed that the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant, immediately postoperative (p=0.322) and after 3 months (p=0.263). Pre-operatively to 3 months postoperatively, the 3D miniplate osteosynthesis (study group) recorded a lower median percent increase in the intercondylar distance than the two miniplates osteosynthesis (control group). The difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant (p=0.917). Regarding the intercondylar angle, the3D miniplate osteosynthesis (study group) recorded higher intercondylar angle than the two miniplates osteosynthesis (control group) immediately post-operative (p=0.333) and after 3 months (p=0.255). Independent t-test revealed that the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. The 3-Dimensional strut miniplates should be considered an alternative for internal rigid fixation of anterior mandibular fractures for their ease of adaptation and insertion, while providing the advantage of reduced operative time compared to the conventional two Champy's miniplates.