Comparison of 3-D and Standard Miniplates Fixation in the Management of Angle Fracture of the Mandible

Objectives: To compare the effi cacy of the 3-D and standard miniplates fi xation in the managementof angle fracture of the mandible.Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from 20th December 2020 to 20th June 2021 at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mardan Medical Complex Mardan. A total 336 patients between the age of 18-60 years from both the genders reporting with mandibular fractures were selected for the study through non- probability consecutive sampling and were randomized in to 2 equal groups of 168 patients each through blind balloting. In group-A, fi xation was done using 3-D titanium plates while in Group-B 2 mm titanium miniplates were used. The primary outcome was set as the diff erence in mean operation time and mean pain post-operative pain score between the 2 groups at 2 weeks follow up.Results: The age range was 18-60 years Mean±SD 31.178±7.86 years. Mean duration of fracture was 84.696±15.38 hour while weight was 65.059±11.97 Kg. Male and female were 78.6% and 21.4% respectively. The mean duration of operation was signifi cantly less with 3-D titanium plates compared to standard miniplate (15.791±1.49 min. Vs 17.690±1.28 min. respectively, p=0.00). The difference between the 2 groups regarding post-operative pain score was not statistically significant as assessed on VAS at 2 weeks follow up visit (1.571±0.49 vs 1.589±0.49 respectively, p-value=0.736).Conclusion: 3-D plate provides the advantage over standard miniplate especially in terms of less operation time in the management of angle fracture at the mandible.