Non-Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Bioresorbable Plates Versus Titanium Miniplates in the Management of Mandibular Fractures Under General Anaesthesia

Abstract

BACKGROUND Mandibular fracture treatment includes restoration of anatomic form and function with establishment of occlusion. Different methods are used to provide stable fixation like metallic compression plates, mini plates, locking plates, 3D plates and bioresorbable plates, etc.The present study compared the effectiveness of bioresorbable plates to the conventional titanium miniplates. MATERIALS AND METHODSNon-randomised controlled trial conducted on patients aged between 16 -56 years of either gender with clinical and radiographical evidence of mandibular fractures requiring open reduction and internal fixation, visiting dental department for the period of one year were enrolled for the study. They were intervened with either Bioresorbable Plates or Titanium Miniplates for the management of mandibular fractures under general anaesthesia. The patients were allotted in 2 groups. Group-I was treated with 2.5 mm Bioresorbable plates and screws; Group-II was treated with 2.0 mm Titanium miniplates and screws. Clinical and radiographic outcome parameters such as stability of occlusion, mobility of fracture fragments, need for intermaxillary fixation, wound healing, stability of fixation, displacement of fracture fragments and healing of fracture site were evaluated. RESULTSIn Group-I 6 patients showed unstable occlusion, 4 patients showed fracture mobility, 6 patients required intermaxillary fixation, whereas in Group-II only 3 patients had unstable occlusion, none of the patients showed fracture mobility (p < 0.05), only 3 patients required IMF during 1 st week post-operatively. There was no abnormality in wound healing/ soft tissue dehiscence and post-operative healing was satisfactory in both the groups. CONCLUSIONThe use of 2.0 mm titanium miniplates is a viable and better option as compared to bioresorbable plates for fixation of mandibular fractures. The stability of titanium plates is significantly higher than the bioresorbable plates for early function of mastication.