Evaluation of metacarpal bone plates in the mandibular fracture.

Of 1587 mandibular fractures, 75 (4.7 per cent) were treated by open reduction with metacarpal bone plates. The plated fractures were reviewed and evaluated for failure. Seventeen plates of the 96 placed were removed (17.7 per cent). Infection was the major cause of failure (9.4 per cent). Operator error played a role in the failure of eight out of 17 plates (47.1 per cent). Various aspects were studied in order to find the significant factors present, and these are discussed.