EVALUATION OF TWO DIFFERENT THREE-DIMENSIONAL TITANIUM MINIPLATES IN TREATMENT OF MANDIBULAR SUBCONDYLAR FRACTURES (RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL)

Introduction: Recently, three dimensional plates were introduced to treat mandibular fracture aiming to neutralize compressive,
tensile and torsional force and thus providing better stability across the fracture line. Studies have been conducted to evaluate
efficacy of these plates ,which include a wide array of configurations, in treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures.
Objectives: To compare the efficacy of rhombic three-dimensional plate versus trapezoidal three-dimensional plate in
treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of rhombic three-dimensional plate versus
trapezoidal three-dimensional plate in treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures.
Methodology: Twenty patients with mandibular subcondylar fractures indicated for open reduction were recruited in the study.
Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups; group A was treated with the rhombic three-dimensional plate, while
group B was treated with the trapezoidal three-dimensional plate. Both groups were followed up clinically and radiographically
for a period of 6 months to evaluate the patients mandibular movements, mandibular deviation on mouth opening and bone
density in the fracture line.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding mandibular movements and
mandibular deviation in mouth opening. However, group B showed a significantly higher mean bone density in the fracture
line than group A.
Conclusion: Both rhombic and trapezoidal plates are effective in treatment of subcondylar fracture with minimal complications.
Furthermore, trapezoidal plates provides a better fracture stabilization and thus better bone healing when compared to the
rhombic plate.