Six-hole versus four-hole miniplates in isolated, unilateral angle fracture of the mandible

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to find the suitable situation for the fixation of “six” hole miniplates in open reduction and internal fixation of displaced and nondisplaced unilateral angle of the mandible fractures. Subjects and Methods: Displaced, nondisplaced, simple, compound (linear and noncomminuted) isolated unilateral angle fractures with or without occlusal derangement were included in this study. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis. Results: The parameters assessed preoperatively and postoperatively were mouth opening, occlusion, neurosensory deficit such as paresthesia, intraoperative time, stability of fragments, and access to the retromolar trigone which showed that the six-hole titanium miniplate was clinically useful in special clinical situations when compared to four-hole titanium miniplate. Conclusion: To conclude, six-hole titanium miniplate was clinically useful when compared to four-hole titanium miniplate in the following special clinical situations such as bone loss following extraction of third molar, no posterior occlusion and instability of fracture moderately displaced fracture needs more stability.