This study was designed to evaluate the use of three dimension miniplates (rhombic) versus two miniplates for fixation of displaced low subcondylar mandibular fractures both clinically and radiographically.
Patients and methods: this study comprised 16 adult patients who required open reduction and internal fixation of the subcondylar fracture of the mandible via retromandibular approach.
The patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group (1) comprised (8) patients treated with three dimension rhombic plates and group (II) comprised (8) patients treated with two non-compression miniplates. All patients were evaluated clinically for intraoperative complications of hemorrhage and damage of the marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve. Postoperative complications as occulusal discrepancy, function of TMJ, presence of infection and parotid fistula formation were evaluated at intervals: immediately, one week, two and six weeks and three months. Radiographically, via panoramic views, CT scans at three and six months.
Results: none of the patients suffered from any major complication intra operatively and postoperatively. All patients showed great satisfactions about the results of their treatment by these means of internal fixation through the retromandibular approach.
Conclusion: open reduction and internal fixation of subcondylar fractures using three dimensional rhombic plates giving better and excellent stability and neutralizes the changing strains in the condylar region and associated with minimal morbidity when fixed via retromandibular approach allowing early restoration of function and avoids prolonged maxillomandibular fixation.