Use of a 2.0-mm locking plate/screw system for mandibular fracture surgery.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we examined the use of a 2.0-mm locking bone plate/screw system in mandibular surgery.


METHODS
All patients who were treated with a 2.0-mm locking bone plate/screw system during an 8-month period for fractures of the mandible or other defects of the mandible were prospectively studied. Ease of use of locking plate/screw system, characteristics of the fractures and defects, and complications were tabulated.


RESULTS
A total of 80 fractures in 59 patients were treated with the 2.0-mm locking plate/screw system. One hundred two 2.0-mm locking plates were applied to the 80 fractures; 58 fractures received 1 plate and 22 fractures received 2 plates. There were no intraoperative difficulties associated with their application. Fracture reductions were considered to be excellent in all cases. At the latest follow-up, all fractures had healed, but 2 patients had slight malocclusions. Six patients developed postsurgical infections. Only 1 patient required hospitalization for treatment of the infection; all others were managed in the outpatient clinic. Four patients required removal of their plates for varying reasons.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a 2.0-mm locking plate/screw system was found to be simple and to provide sound fixation in all cases.
Ellis
Edward
E
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9109, USA. Edward.Ellis@UTSouthwestern.edu
Graham
John
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies