A clinical prospective randomized comparative study on ostyeosynthesis of mandibular anterior fractures following open reduction using lag screws and miniplates

Effective strategies in the management of anterior mandibular fractures: a comprehensive systematic review

This review examines the prevailing modalities for fractures of the anterior mandible, which represent a significant proportion of the maxillofacial injuries commonly treated by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. The article traces the historical shift from conservative techniques to the dominant management strategies of open reduction and fixation. Encompassing a range of studies, the review, in accordance with PRISMA 2020 recommendations, meticulously examines various fixation methods, assessing their efficacy in achieving stability of fracture, early healing, and mobilisation. The comparison of these methods highlights their unique advantages and limitations, and demonstrates the need for more nuanced and precise approaches. The review emphasises evidence-based methodology in the management of anterior mandibular fractures (AMF), highlighting the benefits offered by innovative techniques such as 3D miniplates. It also acknowledges the advantages provided by older fixation devices such as lag screws. The importance of postoperative outcomes and the need for tailored treatment strategies are recognised, considering the complex nature of these fractures.

Comparative evaluation of different osteosynthesis modalities with respect to lingual splaying in mandibular interforaminal fractures using CBCT: A prospective study

Introduction

The management of interforaminal fracture can prove to be challenging because of its unique anatomy and muscular forces. Often, lingual splaying has been found either postoperatively or even during the procedures in such fractures and can be challenging when it comes to managing them. Various modalities such as miniplates, lag screws, and three-dimensional (3D) miniplates have been utilized to manage these fractures. This article compares these three modalities in the management of lingual splaying.

Material and Methods

Thirty patients were allotted randomly to either of the aforementioned modalities randomly in this prospective study. The patients were operated and followed up for the period of 6 months.

Results

It was found that no significant difference exists between the modalities in terms of reduction in lingual splay.

Conclusion

All three modalities have different ventures to offer. A larger sample size study may be warranted to elucidate the obtained results.

Principle of Lag-Screw Fixation in Mandibular Trauma

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of lag screw fixation in mandibular fractures with respect to parameters such as stability of the occlusion, functional stability, infection rates, neurosensory deficit, ease of technique, and maximum interincisal opening.

Materials and Methods:

Our study was carried out on 13 patients with mandibular fractures. Selected cases were treated with lag screw technique and 2.7 mm titanium screws were used. Postoperative complications such as wound dehiscence, infection, neurosensory disturbance, nonunion, malocclusion, postoperative mouth opening, and occlusal discrepancies were assessed.

Results:

All the patients were male, aged between 17 and 50 years. The cause of the injury was road traffic accidents in all, except for two assaults. Our study of 13 cases of fractured mandible included five symphyses, five parasymphyses, two angle, and one body fracture cases. Our observation with open reduction and rigid internal fixation with 1–2 lag screws revealed close approximation of fractured fragments in all the cases, except in three patients who had mild discrepancy of occlusion.

Conclusion:

Lag screw technique provides good interfragmentary compression and restoration of premorbid anatomic alignment of fracture fragments. In displaced mandibular fractures, especially in oblique fractures, the use of lag screw has proven to be ideal. The complications were found to be low. It was concluded that the lag screw provided excellent stability and occlusion.

Titanium Lag Screw Versus Miniplate Fixation in the Treatment of Anterior Mandibular Fractures

PURPOSE

The use of plates for open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular fractures has become a widely accepted method in the past 3 decades. However, the anterior mandible is well suited to lag screw fixation owing to the thickness of its bony cortices. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to comparatively evaluate clinical outcomes of fixation using lag screws and miniplates in anterior mandibular fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients reporting to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery with noncomminuted anterior mandibular fractures were randomly divided into 2 groups of 25 patients each. Patients in group A were treated with 2.5-mm lag screws 22 to 26 mm in length and those in group B were treated with 2.0-mm 4-hole miniplates with a gap using monocortical screws. Subsequent follow-up was performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks postoperatively. The primary determinants included radiographic analysis of the fracture gap and biting efficiency of the patients in groups A and B. The secondary determinants included evaluation of duration of surgery, occlusion before and after injury, and postoperative complications. Results were evaluated using χ² and unpaired t tests.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients in this study was 29.1 ± 8.32 years (range, 18 to 67 yr). The mean postoperative fracture gap was considerably larger in group B. The mean duration of surgery (minutes) was 37.60 ± 9.30 for group A and 47 ± 6.55 for group B. The difference was statistically significant (P = .001). The lag screw group showed faster improvement in biting efficiency compared with the miniplate group.

CONCLUSIONS

Lag screw fixation was found to have good stability and rigidity, was inexpensive, and was less time consuming in treating anterior mandibular fractures compared with miniplates.