title: Fixation of mandibular fractures with 2.0-mm miniplates: review of 191 cases.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Our goal was to study the use of 2.0-mm miniplates for the fixation of mandibular fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Records of 191 patients who experienced a total of 280 mandibular fractures that were treated with 2.0-mm miniplates were reviewed. One hundred twelve of those patients, presenting 160 fractures, who attended a late follow-up were also clinically evaluated. Miniplates were used in the same positions described by AO/ASIF. No intermaxillary fixation was used. All patients included had a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Demographic data, procedures, postoperative results, and complications were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mandibular fractures occurred mainly in males (mean age, 30.3 years). Mean follow-up was 21.92 months. The main etiology was motor vehicle accident. The most common fracture was the angle fracture (28.21%). Twenty-two fractures developed infection, for an overall incidence of 7.85%. When only angle fractures are considered, that incidence is increased to 18.98%. Although only 1 patient (0.89%) described inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia, objective testing revealed sensitivity alterations in 31.52% of the patients who had fractures in regions related to the inferior alveolar nerve. Temporary mild deficit of the marginal mandibular branch was observed in 2.56% of the extraoral approaches performed and 2.48% presented with hypertrophic scars. Incidence of occlusal alterations was 4.0%. Facial asymmetry was observed in 2.67% of the patients, whereas malunion incidence was 1.78%. Fibrous union, mostly partial, occurred in 2.38% of the fractures, but only 1 of those presented with mobility (0.59%). Condylar resorption developed in 6.25% of the fixated condylar fractures. Mean mouth opening was 42.08 mm.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The overall incidence of complications, including infections, was similar to those described for more rigid methods of fixation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Dentistry School at Araraquara, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil. macg@foar.unesp.br
authors.forename: Marisa Aparecida
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Cabrini Gabrielli
authors.forename: Mário Francisco
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Real Gabrielli
authors.forename: Elcio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Marcantonio
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hochuli-Vieira
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D017759:Fractures, Malunited / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology