PURPOSE: This study was to assess the efficiency of using a combination of one microplate and one miniplate for management of patients with parasymphyseal mandibular fractures versus two miniplates through measurement of the biting force. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of sixteen patients with an isolated mandibular fracture and randomly divided into two groups; group I was managed using two miniplates, while group II was managed using a combination of one microplate at subapical region and one miniplate at the inferior border of the mandible. The biting force was measured at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months follow-up visits. A control group consisted of 40 healthy adult volunteers was selected to measure the normal biting force. RESULTS: The mean of the normal biting force of the control group was 435 N ± 219, 103.2 N ± 4.8, and 390.6 N ± 195.4 at right molar, incisor, and left molar regions respectively. There was a statistically non-significant difference regarding the bite force of both study groups, with a progressive increase through the different follow-up visits and a period of 3 months is sufficient for recovery of patients to regain their normal biting force. CONCLUSION: Consequently a combination of one microplate and one miniplate is efficient for the management of isolated parasymphyseal mandibular fracture in the same way as two miniplates.
PURPOSE: This study was to assess the efficiency of using a combination of one microplate and one miniplate for management of patients with parasymphyseal mandibular fractures versus two miniplates through measurement of the biting force. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of sixteen patients with an isolated mandibular fracture and randomly divided into two groups; group I was managed using two miniplates, while group II was managed using a combination of one microplate at subapical region and one miniplate at the inferior border of the mandible. The biting force was measured at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months follow-up visits. A control group consisted of 40 healthy adult volunteers was selected to measure the normal biting force. RESULTS: The mean of the normal biting force of the control group was 435 N ± 219, 103.2 N ± 4.8, and 390.6 N ± 195.4 at right molar, incisor, and left molar regions respectively. There was a statistically non-significant difference regarding the bite force of both study groups, with a progressive increase through the different follow-up visits and a period of 3 months is sufficient for recovery of patients to regain their normal biting force. CONCLUSION: Consequently a combination of one microplate and one miniplate is efficient for the management of isolated parasymphyseal mandibular fracture in the same way as two miniplates.