Seven-Year Retrospective Clinical Study Evaluating Efficacy of Stainless Steel Mesh in Mandibular Fractures

PurposeThe use of titanium mesh in communited mandibular fractures has been substantially documented. However, the use of stainless steel mesh for routine fixation in mandibular fractures has not been widely reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of stainless steel mesh for routine osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures.Materials and MethodsA total of 252 patients who had been diagnosed with 287 single or multiple mandibular fractures at Guru Nanak Institute of Dental Science and Research from 2002 to 2009 were selected for the present study. Those with condylar fractures and other maxillofacial injuries were excluded from the study. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively at 1 day, 6 weeks, and 3 and 6 months. The local complications, occlusion (for static function), and chewing (for dynamic function) were evaluated postoperatively.ResultsThe intraoperative time taken for implant fixation (from site exposure to fixation of the last screw) was 32 minutes. Of the 252 patients, 40 (15.8%) had local complications and 24 patients required implant removal. Of the 252 patients, 82% had bilaterally satisfactory occlusion according to the surgeon at 6 months postoperatively. Discomfort in chewing unilaterally or bilaterally was reported by 17% of the patients.ConclusionThe results of our study have shown that stainless steel mesh has acceptable complication rates and the ability to maintain occlusion and chewing postoperatively compared with the present standards of care of mandibular fractures using miniplates. The lower cost and versatile placement of screws were the principal advantages. However, placement near the mental foramen with an extraoral approach for certain sites is the primary disadvantage.