TO COMPARE TREATMENT OUTCOMES OF MANDIBULAR FRACTURES IN 3D VS CONVENTIONAL MINIPLATES IN PATIENTS PRESENTING IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

The ability to treat fracture with open reduction and internal fixation (OR/IF) has dramatically revolutionized the approach to mandible fracture. With OR/IF, the postoperative role of rigid maxilla mandibular fixation (MMF) has declined, but it is used to maintain proper occlusion until internal fixation of the fracture is achieved. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to compare treatment outcomes of mandibular fractures in 3D vs conventional miniplates in patients presenting in tertiary care hospital. Methodology of the study: This is randomized controlled trial conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Dental Hospital, The University of Lahore. This study was carried out over a period of six months from 23-11-2017 to 22-05-2018.A total of 66 cases (33 in each group) were included in the study. In Group-A, patients were treated with 3-Dimensional miniplates of 2mm thickness while in Group-B, patients were treated with conventional miniplates (2D) of 2mm thickness. Results: Mean age of the patients was 33.7±11.1 and 33.8±10.8 years in group-A and B, respectively. In group-A 30 patients (90.9%) and in group-B 29 patients (87.9%) were male while 3 patients (9.1%) of group-A and 4 patients (12.1%) of group-B were female. Mean duration of procedure in group-A was 53.9±3.8 and in group-B 62.2±3.1 minutes. Anatomical reduction in group-A was statistically significant as compared to group-B (p=0.020). Optimal occlusion was better in group-A when compared with group-B. Distribution of patients by diagnosis in group-A and B, as follows: Symphysis 4 (12.3%) vs 6 (18.2%), parasymphysis 23 (69.7%) vs 19 (57.6%), body 1 (3%) vs 2 (6%) and angle 5 (15%) vs 6 (18.2%). Stratification with regard to age, gender and duration of procedure was also carried out. Conclusion: In conclusion, 3D titanium miniplates are effective in the treatment of mandibular fractures as compared to conventional miniplates in terms of anatomical reduction and optimal occlusion. Thus, 3D plate can be used as an alternative to conventional miniplates. The system is reliable and effective treatment modality for mandibular fractures Key Words: 3D miniplates, Conventional miniplates Mandibular fractures, Internalf ixation, Open reductio