A comparative study on evaluation of role of 1.5 mm microplates and 2.0 mm standard miniplates in management of mandibular fractures using bite force as indicator of recommendation.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the maximum voluntary bite force generated at different periods during mandibular fracture healing using miniplates and microplates as means of rigid internal fixation.


METHODS
Maximum voluntary bite force was recorded in healthy young individuals of different age group from either gender. Patients suffering from symphyseal and parasymphyseal and body fractures were selected and randomly treated using miniplate and microplate osteosynthesis by open reduction and rigid internal fixation. Postoperative bite forces at intervals of 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6thweek were recorded and compared with control group.


RESULTS
It was noticed that bite forces were significantly reduced in the study groups in comparison to control group and at different intervals of treatment. There was a progressive improvement in the bite force with passage of time. There was no statistical significance in the observed bite force in both the study groups at different intervals of assessment.


CONCLUSIONS
1.5 mm microplates provide adequate stability comparable to miniplates for the treatment of fractured mandible and should be preferred over miniplates. We further suggest that bite forces should be considered for the assessment of clinical union of bone as well as studies pertaining to selection of hardware for rigid internal fixation.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad Dental College, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Syed Sayeed
SS
Ahmed
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad Dental College, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Sajjad Abdur
SA
Rehman
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad Dental College, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Md Kalim
MK
Ansari
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division of Ergonomics Research, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Abid Ali
AA
Khan
Department of Electronics Engineering, Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Omar
O
Farooq
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Arshad Hafeez
AH
Khan
Healing of fractures; metal leaching; microplates; rigid internal fixation; voluntary bite force