Comparison of Conventional Titanium Linear Miniplate versus 3d Rectangular Grid Plate for the Fixation of Mandibular Angle Fracture – A Prospective Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: Mandibular angle fractures are among the most common facial fractures and remain challenging because of unfavourable biomechanical forces and high complication rates. Conventional titanium linear miniplates are widely used; however, three-dimensional (3D) rectangular grid plates have been introduced to provide enhanced biomechanical stability and minimize postoperative complications.

Aim: To compare the clinical efficacy of conventional titanium linear miniplates and 3D rectangular grid plates in the management of mandibular angle fractures.

Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized clinical study was conducted on 20 patients aged 18–60 years with isolated mandibular angle fractures. Patients were equally allocated into two groups: Group I underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using a conventional titanium linear miniplate (n=10), while Group II received fixation with a 3D rectangular grid plate (n=10). Clinical parameters including fracture stability, occlusion, operative time, mouth opening, postoperative pain, and swelling were evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively.

Results: Both groups achieved complete fracture stability, satisfactory occlusion, and uneventful fracture healing during the follow-up period. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups with respect to fracture stability, occlusion, pain, or swelling. However, the 3D rectangular grid plate group demonstrated significantly shorter operative time and greater postoperative mouth opening at 3 months. No cases of plate fracture, screw loosening, malunion, or non-union were observed in either group.

Conclusion: Both the conventional titanium linear miniplate and the 3D rectangular grid plate provided effective and reliable fixation for mandibular angle fractures with comparable fracture stability and clinical outcomes. However, the 3D rectangular grid plate offered the advantages of significantly shorter operative time and improved postoperative mouth opening, making it an effective alternative for the management of mandibular angle fractures.