Single Versus Two Plate Osteosynthesis for Parasymphysis Fractures of the Mandible: A Prospective Comparative Study

Abstract

BackgroundThe treatment of mandibular fractures has undergone a revolutionary change after the invention of miniplate osteosynthesis. There aren't many studies in the literature comparing the outcomes of treating mandibular parasymphysis fractures with two miniplates versus one miniplate. AimTo evaluate the outcomes of single vs. two plate osteosynthesis in the management of parasymphysis fractures of the mandible. Materials and methodsSixteen patients with parasymphysis fracture of the mandible treated with a single high-profile miniplate or with two miniplates were included in the study. Multiple outcome variables such as fracture union, wound infection, dehiscence, iatrogenic dental injury, intraoperative time, plate exposure, and need for plate removal were recorded and analyzed statistically using the Student's t-test. ResultsThe occurrence of iatrogenic dental injury (P= 0.021) and the mean operating time showed a statistically significant difference between the groups, whereas variables such as osseous healing, plate exposure, wound dehiscence, and postoperative paresthesia had no significant difference (P > 0.05). ConclusionDespite both systems providing enough stability for osseous healing, the use of a single high-profile miniplate demonstrated fewer post-operative problems, such as iatrogenic injury to the dental roots and occurrence of infection/dehiscence and plate exposure, than the use of two miniplates.

Accidental Intraoperative Mandibular Fracture in a Third Molar Surgery: When Surgical Skills Are Mandatory in the Face of Empiricism

“…Each treatment modality accounts for its reasoning. Regarding rigid internal fixation, for instance, while the single miniplate technique was superior in exhibiting fewer postoperative complications, the two-plate technique was superior in showing more stability [ 18 , 19 ]. Consequently, weighing the pros and cons of each treatment modality is essential to sound decision-making and individualized therapy for patients based on their conditions.…”