Comparative evaluation of 2.3 mm locking plate system vs conventional 2.0 mm non locking plate system for mandibular condyle fracture fixation: a seven year retrospective study

J. Zhang, X. Wang, R.-H. Wu, Q.-W. Zhuang, Q.P. Gu, J. Meng

Department of Stomatology, Central Hospital of Xuzhou City, Affiliated to Southeast University, Xuzhou Stomatology Clinical School of Weifang Medical University, Xuzhou Jiangsu Province, China. mrocket@126.com

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• Maxillofacial Surgery

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of a 2.3 mm locking plate/screw system compared with a 2.0-mm non-locking plate/screw system in fixation of isolated non comminuted mandibular condyle fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Surgical records of 101 patients who received either a 2.3 mm locking plate (group A, n = 51) or 2.0 mm non locking plate (group B, n = 50) were analyzed. All patients were followed up to a minimum of 6 months postoperatively and evaluated for hardware related complications, occlusal stability, need for and duration of MMF and mandibular functional results.

RESULTS: Four complications occurred in the locking group and eighteen in the non locking group with complication rates equalling 8% and 36% 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 < 0.001). Fewer patients required postoperative MMF in group A.

CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular condyle fractures treated with a 2.3 mm locking plate exhibited stable osteosynthesis, were associated with minimal complications and resulted in acceptable mandibular range of motion compared with a 2.0 mm non locking plate.

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