Fixation of mandibular fractures with 2.0-mm miniplates: review of 191 cases.
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.
Cabrini Gabrielli
Marisa Aparecida
MA
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Dentistry School at Araraquara, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil. macg@foar.unesp.br
Real Gabrielli
Mário Francisco
MF
Marcantonio
Elcio
E
Hochuli-Vieira
Eduardo
E
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