Miniplate Fixation of Mandible Fractures Plus 2 Weeks of Intermaxillary Fixation - A prospective study

Purpose: A prospective study of patients being treated for fracture mandible with miniplate fixation plus two weeks of Intermaxillary fixation was designed. The purpose of this study was to establish the better outcome with this technique mainly in terms of occlusion, good osteosynthesis and lesser complication. Patients and Methods: From April 2010 to June 2013 we treated 31 patients who fit to the laid down criteria. They had a total of 42 fractures in their mandible. The fractures were fixed with 2.0 mm non-locking miniplates and screws as per the Champy’s principles of ideal osteosynthesis. It was supplemented by 2 weeks of Intermaxillary fixation post operatively. They were followed up for a minimum period of 6 weeks. The outcome was assessed in terms of occlusion, implant site infection and mouth opening. Results: Only one of these patients (3%) ended up with a poor occlusion which would require a surgical correction. All of them had adequate (> 3.0cm) inter-incisor opening by the end of their treatment and 3 of them (9.6%) developed infection at the implant site which could be managed with antibiotics and local wound care. Conclusion: Supplemental IMF for 2 weeks following miniplate fixation along the Champy’s lines of osteosynthesis yields better outcome in cases of fracture mandible.