A comparative study between titanium mini plates and 3 dimensional titanium plates with locking screws using bite force evaluation of anterior mandibular fractures

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy, stability and rigidity of three-dimensional (3D) titanium plate with locking screws and standard titanium miniplates for mandibular anterior fractures treatment using bite force measurements. Patients and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled clinical study for the treatment of mandibular fractures was conducted as a multicentre study at Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Science, Puducherry, India, in the time period of 2012–2014. Twenty patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Ten patients in group I underwent osteosynthesis with standard titanium miniplates and ten patients in group II underwent osteosynthesis with 3D titanium locking miniplates. The surgical technique was standardized. The clinical parameter assessed was the bite force measurement in relation to the incisor, right molar, and left molar regions. Follow up was done at seventh day, third week, sixth week and third month. Results: In this study, a statistically significant change was present between the change in bite force in each follow up in groups I and II. The difference in the incisor, right molar and left molar bite force was significantly higher for group II compared to group I. There were no statistically significant changes in the clinical parameters such as infection, operating time and occlusion. Conclusion: 3D titanium miniplates with locking screws are better in fracture stabilization for anterior mandibular fractures when compared with titanium miniplates. Other postoperative findings show similar changes in both groups.