PURPOSE: The fractures of anterior mandible are subject to severe torsional forces due to muscles acting in opposite directions. 3D miniplate has been suggested as a good alternative by some researchers. However, finite element model (FEM) studies indicate that labio-inferior positioning of two miniplates perpendicular to each other offers better stability as compared to labial positioning. This study aims at combining the advantages of a single 3D miniplate and labio-inferior positioning of two conventional miniplates, which was assessed by finite element analysis along with a pilot clinical trial. METHODS: Two FEM models were created using CT data of a 24-year-old patient with Angle class I occlusion: control model with labial plating and study model with labio-inferior plating. The models were processed with MIMICS® (materialise, Leuven, Belgium), CATIA® (Dassault Systemes) and finite element analysis softwares. Parameters adopted for analysis were (1) displacement (mm) of fracture fragments during each screw fixation, (2) lingual splay and post fixation stability of fracture fragments with masticatory load, and (3) stress distribution (MPa) across fracture fragments. Moreover, a pilot clinical trial including five patients with anterior mandible fracture was conducted. The fractures were managed by intraoral open reduction and 3D miniplate fixation in labio-inferior position. Intraoperative interfragmentary gap, post fixation lingual splay and radiographic fracture union and complications were assessed clinically. RESULTS: Labio-inferior plating demonstrated less displacement (mm) of fracture fragments during screw fixation (0.059 vs. 0.079) as well as after application of masticatory load (1.805 vs. 1.860). Negligible lingual splay and less stress distribution (MPa) across fracture fragments (1.860 vs. 1.847) were appreciated in the study group as compared to control group. Clinical trial support the favorable outcome related to intraoperative and postoperative assessment parameters. CONCLUSION FEM analysis and clinical trial reveal better results with labio-inferior positioning of 3D miniplate when compared to labial positioning.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to compare the surgical access and post-operative outcome of two intra-oral incisions used for approaching a mandibular body fracture. METHODS: This clinical trial involved 60 patients with mandibular body fractures who were randomly allocated to control and study groups. The fractures were approached using the routine vestibular incision in the control group and crevicular incision with vertical release in the study group. The effects of incision design on the post-surgical outcome variables like swelling, trismus, paresthesia, wound healing and gingival recession were statistically analysed with non-parametric tests by using SPSS 22.0 software. Comparison of continuous variables between the groups and time points was done using Mann Whitney test and Friedman test respectively. Chi-square test was used to compare proportions between groups. Dunn's test with Bonferroni correction was used for pair wise comparisons. RESULTS: The study group demonstrated favourable surgical outcome in the immediate postoperative phase as compared to the control group. The difference in mouth opening, swelling and neurosensory impairment between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Crevicular incision was found to be an ideal alternative to vestibular incision in achieving surgical access and fixation of mandibular body fractures with reduction in postoperative patient discomfort and better surgical outcome.
Adult ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Mandibular Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Middle Aged ; Open Fracture Reduction ; methods ; Orthognathic Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Surgical Wound ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult