Aim of the study: To compare the safety and efficacy of three different fixation techniques for anterior mandibular fractures,
namely two lag screws, 3D miniplate, and two miniplates.
Methods: In randomized, controlled, trial, we enrolled patients with anterior mandibular fractures. Patients were randomly
allocated to one of the following fixation techniques: group (1): two lag screws, group (2): 3D miniplate and group (3): two
miniplates. All patients were followed-up for six months.
Results: Thirty patients were included. The miniplates group had statistically significant longer time for hardware fixation
than patients in the other two groups (p < 0.00). The frequencies of satisfactory occlusion were numerically higher in lag
screw and 3D plates groups than the miniplates group (p > 0.05). The overall rate of moderate postoperative complications was
significantly higher in miniplates group than lag screw and 3D plate groups at the 1st postoperative week (p = 0.01). On the
1st postoperative months, the overall rate of mild complications was significantly higher in miniplates group than lag screw
and 3D plate groups at the 1st postoperative week and month (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Fixation with lag screws and 3D plates lead to less frequency and severity of postoperative complications than
fixation with miniplates for anterior mandibular fractures.