A comparison of mandibular angle fracture plating techniques.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the conventional technique of mandibular angle fracture plating with two biomechanically dissimilar techniques in their abilities to resist vertical loads similar to masticatory forces.

STUDY DESIGN

Three groups of five synthetic hemimandibles with simulated fracture repairs were compared for their capabilities to resist vertical deformation. The conventional group was stabilized with a thin tension band system at the superior border and thick stabilization plate system at the inferior border. The nontraditional group was stabilized with a thick tension band system at the superior border and thin stabilization plate system at the inferior border. The two miniplate group was stabilized with a thin tension band system at the superior border and thin stabilization plate at the inferior border. A cantilever beam design was used. Testing was performed with an instron 8511.20 (Instron Corp., Canton, Mass.) mechanical testing device. The three groups were compared with a two way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The forces resisted by the conventional group (167.6 +/- 18.2 N), the nontraditional group (156.3 +/- 33.9 N), and two miniplate group (154.0 +/- 18.4 N) were not statistically different (F = 0.44, p > 0.66). All failures occurred at the tension bands secured with monocortical screws.

CONCLUSIONS

Under the conditions described in this in vitro investigation, plate thickness or pattern made no difference. All failures in this experiment occurred with monocortical screws in the superior border tension band system.