title: Comparative evaluation of 2.3 mm locking plate system vs conventional 2.0 mm non locking plate system for mandibular condyle fracture fixation: a seven year retrospective study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy of a 2.3 mm locking plate/screw system compared with a 2.0-mm non-locking plate/screw system in fixation of isolated non comminuted mandibular condyle fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surgical records of 101 patients who received either a 2.3 mm locking plate (group A, n = 51) or 2.0 mm non locking plate (group B, n = 50) were analyzed. All patients were followed up to a minimum of 6 months postoperatively and evaluated for hardware related complications, occlusal stability, need for and duration of MMF and mandibular functional results.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four complications occurred in the locking group and eighteen in the non locking group with complication rates equalling 8% and 36% respectively. When comparing the overall results according to plates used, the χ2 test showed a statistically significant difference between the locking and non locking plates (p < 0.001). Fewer patients required postoperative MMF in group A.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mandibular condyle fractures treated with a 2.3 mm locking plate exhibited stable osteosynthesis, were associated with minimal complications and resulted in acceptable mandibular range of motion compared with a 2.0 mm non locking plate.
authors: Department of Stomatology, Central Hospital of Xuzhou City, Afﬁliated to Southeast University, Xuzhou Stomatology Clinical School of Weifang Medical University, Xuzhou Jiangsu Province, China. mrocket@126.com.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Zhang
authors: X
authors: X
authors: Wang
authors: R-H
authors: RH
authors: Wu
authors: Q-W
authors: QW
authors: Zhuang
authors: Q P
authors: QP
authors: Gu
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Meng
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult