Comparison of resorbable plates and titanium plates for fixation stability of combined mandibular symphysis and angle fractures

OBJECTIVES We compared resorbable plates with titanium plates for treatment of combined mandibular angle and symphyseal fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with mandibular angle and symphysis fractures were divided into two groups. The control (T) group received titanium plates while the experimental (R) group received resorbable plates. All procedures were carried out under general anesthesia using standard surgical techniques. We compared the frequency of wound dehiscence, development of infection, malocclusion, malunion, screw breakage, and any other technical difficulties between the two groups. RESULTS Thirteen patients were included in the R group, where 39 resorbable plates were applied. The T group consisted of 16 patients who received 48 titanium plates. The mean age in the R and T groups was 28.29 and 24.23 years, respectively. Primary healing of the fractured mandible was obtained in all patients in both groups. Postoperative complications were minor and transient. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the rates of various complications between the two groups. Breakage of 3 screws during the perioperative period was seen in the R group, while no screws or plates were broken in the T group. CONCLUSION Resorbable plates can be used to stabilize combined mandibular angle and symphysis fractures.