The Efficacy of Fixation of Unilateral Mandibular Angle Fracture with Single 3D Plate vs Single Miniplate Using Transbuccal Approach.

Introduction: The management of mandibular angle fractures is often challenging and results in the highest rate of complications. The optimal treatment modality still remains controversial. This study was done to compare the treatment outcomes of single 3D plate versus single miniplate. Objective: The objective was to compare and evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome in patients who underwent treatment with single 3D plate versus single miniplate using transbuccal approach for unilateral angle fractures with other associated mandibular fractures. Methodology: A randomized control study was done in 12 patients with unilateral angle fracture who were divided into two groups. Group A patients were treated using single 3D plates, and Group B patients were treated using single miniplates. Study parameters were evaluated at different time intervals.
Results: The results of the study showed that postoperatively in Group A, fracture reduction, occlusion and mouth opening were comparatively better than Group B. Hardware failure was seen in one patient in Group B. Postoperative morbidities showed no statistical difference.
Conclusion: The single 3D plates showed a statistically insignificant advantage over single miniplates, although clinically Group A proved better than Group B with respect to the study parameters. Therefore, we recommend the use of single 3D plates for effective unilateral angle fracture treatment. More studies are required to prove the significant statistical significance. © The Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India 2020.