Comparison between three-dimensional and standard miniplates in the management of mandibular angle fractures: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical study

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of mandibular angle fractures (MAFs) managed with three-dimensional (3D) miniplates and standard miniplates (according to Champy's principles). A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study was carried out on 20 patients with MAFs, divided into two groups. Group A patients were treated with a single 1-mm 3D titanium miniplate; group B patients were treated with a single 2.0-mm standard titanium miniplate. Patients were followed for 6 months for infection, wound dehiscence, segmental mobility, malocclusion, mouth opening, hardware failure, hardware palpability, paraesthesia, and malunion/non-union. A densitometry analysis was performed using DIGORA software on digital panoramic radiographs to evaluate bone healing. Six complications occurred, representing a total rate of 30%. Three complications occurred in group A and three in group B, with identical complication rates of 30%. No major difference in terms of the radiographic assessment was observed between the two systems. The 3D curved strut plate is an effective treatment modality for the management of MAFs, with a complication rate comparable to that found with the standard miniplate. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01939015.