Evaluation of using microplates osteosynthesis for pediatric mandibular fractures

Indications and complications regarding titanium osteosynthesis in pediatric maxillofacial trauma: A scoping review and critical appraisal

With the advent of biodegradable osteosynthesis material, titanium osteosynthesis for ORIF in pediatric maxillofacial trauma is not as indisputable as before. The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review to assess the indications, complications of ORIF with titanium osteosynthesis material in pediatric maxillofacial trauma. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, gray literature (ICTRP and clinicaltrials.gov) for studies published until April 2022. 3436 studies were screened and finally 13 articles, compromising a sample of 340 pediatric patients were included after full text reading. Reported complications were infection (6.5% of population), malocclusion (5% of population) and dental maleruption (8% of population). Influence on future growth could not be assessed due to short and heterogeneous follow-up periods. Eight of the thirteen studies concluded to a positive and predictable outcome using titanium ORIF for displaced/complex pediatric maxillofacial fractures. Results of this review suggest that titanium ORIF for maxillofacial fractures in the pediatric population is a reliable treatment. The surgeon must be committed to following these patients longitudinally. Interpreting the results should, however, be done with great care, as most articles have a medium to high risk of bias and limited follow-up.

Resorbable Versus Titanium Rigid Fixation for Pediatric Mandibular Fractures: A Systematic Review, Institutional Experience and Comparative Analysis

Study Design

Pediatric mandible fractures mandate special consideration because of unerupted teeth, mixed dentition, facial growth and the inability to tolerate maxillomandibular fixation. No consensus exists as to whether resorbable or titanium plating systems are superior with regards to clinical outcomes.

Objective

This study aims to systematically review and compare the outcomes of both material types in the treatment of pediatric mandible fractures.

Methods

After PROSPERO registration, studies from 1990-2020 publishing on outcomes of ORIF of pediatric mandible fractures were systematically reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines. An additional retrospective review was conducted at a pediatric level 1 trauma center.

Results

1,144 patients met inclusion criteria (30.5% resorbable vs. 69.5% titanium). Total complication rate was 13%, and 10% required a second, unplanned operation. Complication rates in the titanium and resorbable groups were not significantly different (14% vs. 10%; P = 0.07), and titanium hardware was more frequently removed on an elective basis (P < 0.001). Condylar/sub-condylar fractures were more often treated with resorbable hardware (P = 0.01); whereas angle fractures were more often treated with titanium hardware (P < 0.001). Within both cohorts, fracture type did not increase the risk of complications, and comparison between groups by anatomic level did not demonstrate any significant difference in complications.

Conclusions

Pediatric mandible fractures requiring ORIF are rare, and hardware-specific outcomes data is scarce. This study suggests that titanium and resorbable plating systems are equally safe, but titanium hardware often requires surgical removal. Surgical approach should be tailored by fracture anatomy, age-related concerns and surgeon preference.