COMPARISON OF RESORBABLE WITH NON RESORBABLE PLATES TO TREAT PAEDIATRIC MANDIBULAR FRACTURES

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical efficacy and postoperative complications between resorbable and non-resorbable plates and screws in the treatment of paediatric mandibular symphysis and parasymphysis fractures. Materials and Methods: Resorbable and non resorbable plates were used in 46 paediatric patients (age ranges 6 to 12 years, mixed dentition stage) for the treatment of mandibular symphysis and parasymphysis fractures. The variables critically observed were infection, wound dehiscence, bony union and malocclusion. Results: Out of the 46 paediatric patients, 23 were in the non resorbable titanium plating group (group A) and 23 in the resorbable plating group (group B). Two patients showed minor infection at first week in group A and 1 patient in group B. Only one patient showed wound dehiscence at 4th week in group A. No malunion and malocclusion occurred during the observation period in both the groups. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study showed that morbidity in both groups was matched in term of outcomes when evaluated. The avoidance of repeat surgery for plate removal is a definite advantage of using resorbable plating system.