The management of unstable oblique infected mandibular fractures with a 2.3 mm mandibular osteosynthesis reconstruction bone plate

This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 2.3 mm reconstruction bone plates in the treatment of unstable infected mandibular fractures.MaterialThe study included 32 patients with unstable oblique infected mandibular fractures (23 males and 9 females), with a mean age of 33 years. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 were treated with an osteosynthesis plate (with at least 3 screws on each side of fracture sites) applied to the mandibular fracture site, while in group 2 the bone plate was applied (2 screws on each side of fracture sites) with maxillomandibular fixation (MMF). Clinical and radiographic examinations were carefully assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at follow-up intervals of 1, 2, 6, 12 months. Postoperative complications in terms of dysocclusion, wound dehiscence and neurosensory disturbances were examined.ResultPostoperative clinical and radiographic results showed that group 1 had quicker bone generation and more precise anatomical alignment of fracture sites than with those in group 2. All patients showed no evidence of infection, plate fracture or exposure, malunion, osteomyelitis, neurosensory disturbances, or dental injury.ConclusionThe 2.3 mm reconstruction bone plates provide excellent stability and healing of the unstable infected mandibular fractures provided that the fracture site is fixed by at least 3 screws on each side of the fracture sites.