Comparison between mini-plate and reconstruction plate osteosynthesis in the treatment of the comminuted mandibular fracture.

Objective: To compare the treatment outcome for reconstruction plates and mini plates in treating comminuted mandibular fracture. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Allama Iqbal Medical College/Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Period: October 2021 to April 2023. Methods: All subjects presented for treatment of comminuted fractures of the mandible fulfilling the inclusion criteria at Jinnah Hospital Lahore Maxillofacial surgery department were included in the study, and were randomly allocated into group A and group B. The mini-plate osteosynthesis technique was used on Group A and Group B was treated by fixation with reconstruction plate. Results: A total of (n=30) patients were included in this study. Fifteen of these patients received mini-plate fixation (group A) and the remaining fifteen were treated with reconstruction plates (group B). The mean age was 29.4± 10.5 years. 80% of study subjects were male n=24. All patients of (group A) were treated via an intraoral approach. However, n=10 (66.6%) patients were treated by intraoral approach in (group B). Whereas the rest of the subjects (n=4) were treated with extra oral approach and (n=1) through combined intraoral and extra oral approach.100% stability at the fracture site was observed in both groups. Comparative occlusion status showed a nonsignificant p-value (p=1.000). Pearson chi-square value=0.0000a for plate exposure between both groups also shows a non-significant difference. The contour of the mandible was improved in 38.89% of (group A) population and 61.11% of group B patients. Conclusion: Mini-plate and reconstruction plate osteosynthesis are equally effective for the fixation of comminuted fractures of the mandible, considering postoperative occlusion status, stability of the fracture segment, and the possibility of plate exposure.