Comparison of Transosseous Wiring and Miniplates in Management of Mandibular Parasymphyseal Fractures

Abstract

Background: Mandibular fractures are the most common type of facial fractures in the adult population, accounting for 36%-59% of all maxillofacial injuries and their treatment is one of the most frequent forms of therapy provided by maxillofacial surgeons. The objective of the study was to compare the outcome of transosseous wiring and miniplates in the management of mandibular parasymphyseal fractures in terms of infection and malocclusion.

Material and Methods: This randomized control trial was carried out at Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Ayub Medical College/ Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad. A total of 124 patients were randomly allocated into two groups by lottery method. Patients in group A were subjected to transosseous wiring with maxilla-mandibular fixation. Patients in group B underwent miniplate fixation method. Post-operative wound in­fection and malocclusion findings at 6 weeks were recorded.

Results: Frequency of post-operative infection and malocclusion at 6 weeks of surgery was slightly more but statistically non-significant in patients of group A undergoing Transosseous wiring method as compared to group B patients experiencing Miniplate technique.

Conclusions: Miniplate osteosynthesis causes slightly less post-operative morbidity in terms of infection and malocclusion as compared to transosseous wiring for the management of mandibular parasymphyseal fractures.