Outcome of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation by Using One Titanium Plate and Archbar for the Management of Mandibular Fractures in Symphyseal and Parasymphyseal Region

OBJECTIVES To determine nerve injury, malocclusion, and non-union of ORIF using a single miniplate and arch bar in the treatment of mandibular fractures in the parasymphyseal and symphyseal regions. METHODOLOGY This descriptive cross-sectional study included 233 patients aged 13-65 years who presented within 48 hours of sustaining non-comminuted symphyseal or parasymphyseal mandibular fractures. Patients with bone pathologies, systemic diseases affecting healing, infected fractures, contraindications to general anesthesia, or who were unwilling to attend follow-up were excluded. ORIF was performed using a single titanium miniplate and Erich arch bar under general anesthesia. Outcomes were assessed at 4-week follow-up and included inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury, malocclusion, and non-union. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate associations between complications and clinical variables. RESULTSThe mean age of the participants was 32.42 ± 5.75 years, with 66.95% of participants being male. Road traffic accidents were the leading cause (56.65%). IAN injury was the most frequent complication (30.04%). Malocclusion and non-union occurred in 2.58% and 1.72% of patients, respectively. No statistically significant associations were found between complications and age, gender, fracture type, or etiology. CONCLUSION Inferior alveolar nerve injury is the most common complication in mandibular symphyseal and parasymphyseal fractures managed with ORIF, warranting vigilant surgical technique and monitoring.