Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare IMF involving placement of titanium arch bars applied using screw fixation (smart lock hybrid arch bar) with Erich arch bars secured with circum-dental wires to the maxilla and mandible in the treatment of mandibular fractures.
methods: This study was conducted on 36 patients with mandibular fractures. The patients were divided randomly into two groups. MMF was performed to all cases. In group (A) All patients had MMF using Smart Lock Hybrid arch bar. While in group (B) Patients had MMF using Erich arch bars. The clinical evaluation included assessment of gingival health via GI, number of gloves penetration for the operator and assistant, time consumed for application/removal of the device, complications during surgery, as well as, patient satisfaction via questionnaires (HADS, UW-QOL v4 and VAS) and cost.
Results: Smart Lock Hybrid arch bar group showed significant lower gingival index than Erich arch bar group. Group A showed shorter time for application or removal of the arch bar than Group B. In group A, patients showed complications such as gingival growth over the eyelets and screws, mucosal tears and screw looseness. One case in group A needed endodontic treatment for the lower first molar as a result of root injury. Group A showed better patient satisfaction score .The Smart Lock Hybrid arch bar was higher cost than Erich arch bar.
Conclusion: Smart Lock Hybrid arch bar was a perfect choice as an alternative to Erich arch bar for treatment of mandibular fractures.