Introduction: The foremost maxillofacial fractures, following nasal fractures, are mandibular fractures. Several studies were carried out to improve the techniques used, shorten immobilization period, and improve rigid fixation. Rigid fixation with a low-profile reconstructing plate near the lower border of mandible is one of these modalities.
Objectives: The purpose of this research is to compare clinical and radiological results of a low-profile reconstruction plate with two miniplates.
Materials and methods: Two groups of 7 patients each with recent anterior mandibular fracture were formed. Group A received treatment with a low-profile reconstruction plate, while Group B received treatment with two miniplates. Clinical follow-up was performed after 24 hours, and one, four, six, and twelve weeks. In addition, a radiographic examination was carried out immediately postoperative and after twelve weeks to estimate mean bone density across fracture line.
Result: All patients reported statistically significant reduction in pain levels throughout the study (p < 0.001). All individuals demonstrated improvement in maximum mouth opening during the examination; P = 0.002 for group A and p < 0.001 for group B. Occlusion was normal in both groups. Nonetheless, a postoperative wound infection occurred in one patient in Group A, in group B, there were no wound infections. By comparing postoperative 12 weeks to immediate values, average bone density has risen tremendously. But besides this, group A had a higher mean bone density (p < 0.001) than group B (p=0.004).
Conclusion: A low-profile non-locking reconstruction plate produced slightly better results than two miniplates, and equivalent results to a locking low-profile reconstructing plate.