ABSTRACT
Introduction: Mandibular fractures are considered one of the most common type of trauma encountered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons, Fractures involving the mental nerve region represent about 9 % - 57 % of mandibular fractures. Conventional 3D plates cannot be used in this area due to the presence of the mental nerve. 3D interlocking mini plates were designed for fixation of fractures in the aforementioned region without interfering with the neurovascular bundle.
Aim of this study: To evaluate the efficiency of 3D interlocking mini plates for fixation of mandibular fracture in mental foramen region.
Materials and methods: Eight patients with recent mandibular fracture at the mental foramen region are to be treated using 3d interlocking miniplates. Clinical follow up will be done after 24-hours, one, four, six and twelve weeks. Clinical assessment parameters included postoperative occlusion, interfragmentary mobility. In addition, a radiographic investigation will be performed after twelve weeks to measure the mean bone density and healing across the fracture line.
Results: Upon the completion of the follow-up phase, all patients showed satisfactory occlusion and no interfragmentary mobility. Upon radiographic assessment, all fractures showed proper healing and the difference in mean bone density between baseline and final values was statistically significant.
Conclusion: 3D interlocking mini plates can provide satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes in the treatment of mandibular fractures at mental foramen region without injuring the neurovascular bundle.
Keywords: 3D interlocking miniplates, Mandibular fracture