Comparative evaluation of 2.0 mm locking plate system vs 2.0 mm non-locking plate system for mandibular angle fracture fixation: a prospective randomized study

L. Yang, P.M. Patil

Departement of Stomatology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, 82 Cuiyingmwen, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China. pavanpatil2000@yahoo.co.uk

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• Maxillofacial Surgery

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized study evaluated the efficacy of a 2.0 mm locking plate/screw system compared with a 2.0-mm nonlocking plate/screw system in fixation of 60 isolated non-comminuted mandibular angle fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive a 2.0 mm locking plate (group A, n = 30) or 2.0 mm non-locking plate (group B, n = 30). All patients were followed up to 6 months postoperatively and evaluated for complications, occlusal stability and overall results of fixation.

RESULTS: Five complications occurred in the locking group and fourteen in the non-locking group with complication rates equalling 17% and 47% respectively. When comparing the overall results according to plates used, the χ2 test showed a statistically significant difference between the locking and non-locking plates (p < 0.01). Fewer patients required IMF in group A.

CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular angle fractures treated with 2.0 mm locking plates show greater stability and were associated with fewer complications than with 2.0 mm non-locking plates.

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