Comparative study of outcomes between locking plates and three-dimensional plates in mandibular fractures

Complications following miniplate insertion in maxillofacial fractures: a systematic review

Background

Maxillofacial fractures, frequently arising from road traffic incidents, falls, and acts of interpersonal aggression, are a considerable public health issue, exhibiting diverse epidemiological patterns according to demographic factors. The application of miniplates for fracture stabilization is a recognized technique, with innovative methods such as 3D plate systems emerging. Nonetheless, consequences including infections and hardware malfunctions persist. This systematic review seeks to present current evidence regarding the complications linked to miniplate placement in maxillofacial fractures over the last ten years.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA principles. Databases such as the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus were examined from September 2014 to September 2024. Studies documenting problems related to miniplate placement were included, without language constraints. The ROBINS-I tool was utilized for non-randomized studies, whereas the Cochrane risk of bias tool was applied to randomized controlled trials.

Results

From 2,289 initially found studies, 56 satisfied the inclusion criteria. Among these, 28 employed interventional designs, whilst the remaining 28 were observational research. The predominant problems documented in several investigations encompassed infection, wound dehiscence, malocclusion, paraesthesia, malunion/non-union, segment movement, hardware failure, and palpable hardware. Advanced methodologies such as 3D plate systems and locking mechanisms were linked to diminished complication rates.

Conclusion

This systematic analysis presents a decade of updated research about problems associated with miniplate placement in maxillofacial fractures. Novel methodologies such as 3D plate systems and locking mechanisms demonstrate promise in mitigating problems relative to conventional techniques. These findings can facilitate informed decision-making in clinical practice. Additional study utilizing standardized outcomes and prospective designs is essential to enhance comprehension of the long-term effects of miniplate utilization.

Efficacy of Three-dimensional Locking Miniplates versus Three-dimensional Standard Miniplates in the Management of Mandibular Fractures - A Prospective Clinical Study

Introduction

Fifty patients were included to compare the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) locking miniplates versus 3D standard miniplates in the management of mandibular fractures.

Materials and Methods

Fifty patients were randomly allocated to either 3D locking miniplate group or 3D standard miniplate group. All patients were followed for six months to compare post-operative occlusion, stability and associated clinical complications such as wound dehiscence, infection and plate/screw fracture and mental nerve paraesthesia.

Results

All the fractures were adequately fixed when checked intraoperatively. Four patients in each group had mildly deranged occlusion, one patient in Group A and two patients in Group B had reduced stability. None of the patients had complications of non-union or malunion. In Group A, one out of 25 patients had mental nerve paraesthesia and two had wound dehiscence. Moreover, in Group B, two patients had mental nerve paraesthesia and two others had wound dehiscence. The data when compared were statistically significant (=0.05).

Discussion

The overall result of our study led us to the conclusion that both the plating systems were satisfactory and there is no statistically significant difference when used for open reduction and fixation in mandibular fractures. Healing was satisfactory in both groups.

Pre-adjusted Three-Dimensional Plate Employing Printing versus Conventional Plate in the Management of Mandibular Fractures - A Comparative Study

Introduction

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of pre-adjusted three-dimensional (3D) plating system employing 3D printing with conventional 3D plating in the management of mandibular fractures.

Materials and Methods

A randomised, clinical trial was conducted where the study sample (n = 20) was divided into two groups. In Group 1, 3D plate and in Group 2, pre-bent 3D plate was fixed to the fracture site. The parameters assessed were number of bends required for adaptation, duration of fixation, pain, occlusal stability, reduction in lingual splaying and post-operative complications.

Results

Statistically significant difference was seen for the number of bends required (P = 0.000, P < 0.01) and duration of fracture fixation (P = 0.001, P < 0.01). There was statistically significant difference between the values of pain during the adaptation of 3D plate (P = 0.033, P < 0.05).

Discussion

The application of pre-adjusted 3D plate is superior to conventional 3D plating in terms of reducing number of bends, duration of fixation and pain during adaptation.