title: Versatility of Titanium 3D Plate in Comparison with Conventional Titanium Miniplate Fixation for the Management of Mandibular Fracture.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the present study, 20 patients with mandibular fracture were included to evaluate the versatility of titanium 3D plate in comparison with conventional titanium miniplate fixation.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patients were alternatively allocated to either the 3D plate group or Miniplate group. The patients were evaluated for the clinical assessment of mobility after fixation, pre and post-surgical occlusal relationship, adequacy of reduction on post operative radiograph and any post surgical complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 25 fractures in 20 patients were found to be adequately fixed when checked intra-operatively. No post-operative IMF was required in either of the groups. The mean radiographic score at post operative time interval in Miniplate group was found to be 2.80 ± 0.42 and in 3D Plate was found to be 2.90 ± 0.32. The mean radiographic score at 3 months time interval in Miniplate group was found to be 2.70 ± 0.48 and in 3D Plate was found to be 2.70 ± 0.48. Radiolucency at 3 months period was found in 1 patient (10%) in the miniplate group and it was not found in any patients in the 3D plate group. None of the patients in both the groups had complications of non-union or mal-union. In miniplate group, 2 patients (20%) had infections and in 3D plate group 1 patient (10%) had infection. 3 patients in miniplate group had occlusal discrepancies (30%) and 1 patient in 3D plate group had occlusal discrepancies (10%). Overall, complications were found in 6 patients (60%) in miniplate group and 2 patients (20%) in 3D plate group. The data when compared was statistically significant (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 3D plating system was found to be advantageous over conventional miniplates. It uses lesser foreign material, reduces the operation time and overall cost of the treatment. Thus 3D plate can be used as an alternative to conventional miniplates. The system is reliable and effective treatment modality for mandibular fractures.
authors.affiliation: 1813, Maharjnagar, Opposite PAU, Gate No. 3, Ludhiana, 141001 India.
authors.forename: Kamal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Malhotra
authors.forename: Ashish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Girish
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Giraddi
authors.forename: Ashish Kumar
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Shahi
keywords: 3D plates; Mandible fracture; Miniplates