An analysis of 80 cases of mandibular fractures treated with miniplate osteosynthesis.

A study of 80 consecutive cases of mandibular fractures treated utilizing miniplate osteosynthesis is reported. Analysis of the data collected from 2 inner city hospitals revealed a high incidence of males (90%), alcohol abusers (44%), smokers (77%) and unemployed (36%). Assault was the aetiological factor in 72.5% of cases, with alcohol implicated in 58%. The injuries were predominantly non-complex in nature, 94% having one or 2 mandibular fractures and only 11% having additional facial fractures. The results compared favourably with those found in previous studies with 8% having complications. The efficacy and advantages of miniplate osteosynthesis as a method of treatment of mandibular fractures is discussed.