Study of Efficacy and the Comparison Between 2.0 mm Locking Plating System and 2.0 mm Standard Plating System in Mandibular Fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and comparison between 2.0 mm locking plate system and 2.0 mm Champy's titanium mini plating system in mandible fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients with mandibular fractures were selected and divided into two groups A and B on randomized basis. Group A was treated with open reduction internal fixation using 2.0 mm locking plates and group B with 2.0 mm Champy's titanium miniplates. All patients were followed up for 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Results of the study show less screw loosening, less precision in plate adaptation and less alteration of the osseous or occlusal relationship upon screw tightening in group A. Chi square test was applied to compare the results between the two groups. Statistical analysis did not show significant difference of incidence of malocclusion between the two groups (p value = 0.606). Statistical analysis using un-paired t test showed significant difference of working time between the two groups (p value = 0.00296). When comparing the overall complication rates according to plates used, the χ(2) test showed no statistically significant difference between the locking and nonlocking plates (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is observed in our study that the locking plate/screw system offers significant advantages over the conventional plating system. The precise adaptation required for using conventional plates is not needed when this locking plate/screw system is used. Locking plate/screw system provides better stability than the conventional plate/screw system.