Mandibular Angle Fractures: Comparison of One Miniplate vs. Two Miniplates

Prevalence of surgical site infections after open reduction and internal fixation for mandibular fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Our study aims to estimate the prevalence of surgical site infections (SSI) following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for mandibular fractures and to determine the effect of potential moderators on it. A systematic literature search (Medline and Scopus databases) was conducted independently by two reviewers. The pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals was estimated. Quality assessment as well as outlier and influential analysis were performed. Additionally, subgroup and meta-regression analysis were conducted in order the effect of categorical and continuous variables on the estimated prevalence to be investigated. In total, seventy-five eligible studies (comprising a sum of 5825 participants) were included in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of SSI following ORIF for mandibular fractures was estimated as high as 4.2% (95% CI 3.0-5.6%) with significant heterogeneity between studies. One study was identified to be critically influential. In the subgroup analysis, the prevalence was 4.2% (95% CI 2.2-6.6%) among studies conducted in Europe, 4.3% (95% CI 3.1-5.6%) among studies conducted in Asia and higher among those conducted in America (7.3%) (95% CI 4.7-10.3%). It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the etiology of these infections, despite the relatively low rate of SSI in these procedures. However, further, well-designed prospective and retrospective studies need to be conducted in order this issue to be fully clarified.

One miniplate versus two miniplates in the fixation of mandibular angle fractures. An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes after using one miniplate fixation in the external oblique ridge versus two miniplate fixation for mandibular angle fractures.

METHODS

A systematic review of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus and Cochrane Library database was performed (last search date: 04 February 2022) according to the PRISMA guidelines. The research question was addressed using the PICO criteria. Only comparative studies between the two techniques were included. Random-effects model meta-analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies, comprising a total of 1667 patients, 846 undergoing one miniplate fixation and 854 undergoing two miniplate fixation for mandibular angle fractures were identified. No statistically significant differences were observed regarding surgical site infection (odds ratio [OR]= 0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.69] - [1.28], p = 0.68, I²=0.00%), post-operative malocclusion (OR= 0.97, 95% CI: [0.53] - [1.18], p = 0.25, I²=0.00%), post-operative neurosensory dysfunction (OR= 0.67, 95% CI: [0.37] - [1.22], p = 0.19, I²=73.93%), pseudoarthrosis formation (OR=0.90, 95% CI: [0.58] - [(1.39], p = 0.63, I²=0.00%). Wound dehiscence was marginally less common in the one miniplate group (OR=0.52, 95% CI: [0.28] - [0.98], p = 0.04, I²=54.34%). The probability of scarring formation (OR=0.13, 95% CI: [0.05] - [0.32], p = 0.00, I²=0.00%) and hardware failure (OR=0.36, 95% CI [0.21] - [0.62], p = 0.00, I²=29.33%) were statistically significantly higher in the two miniplates arm.

CONCLUSION

One miniplate fixation and two miniplates fixation of mandibular angle fractures have similar results regarding post operative infection, malocclusion, neurosensory dysfunction and pseudoarthrosis formation while wound dehiscence, hardware failure and scarring seem to be more common when two miniplates are used as a fixation technique.

Underestimated Craniomaxillofacial Fractures Due to Firework

BACKGROUND

Iranian people celebrate the last Wednesday of the year also known as Chahar Shambeh Soori (CSS) using low explosive pyrotechnics classified as fireworks. Mishaps and accidents are common and maxillofacial fractures may occur which have a negative impact on the quality of life. This study aimed to assess maxillofacial fractures (fx) caused by explosive agents.

METHODS

This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed 283 patients suffering maxillofacial fxs caused by explosive agents during CSS ceremonies between 2009 and 2019 referred to our craniomaxillofacial (CMF) surgery center. The data assessed included age, sex, cause, type, site, and severity of injury, fracture patterns, treatment modalities, and complications. All maxillofacial injuries were evaluated and treated by Craniomaxillofacial staff surgeons.

RESULTS

Among 283 patients, 72.8% (206) and 27.2% (77) were men and women, respectively. The mean age of patients was 17.35 years. The most common maxillofacial fracture was in the mid-face; with the distribution of fractures being: 39.9% zygomatic fractures, 32.1% nasal bone fractures, 63.2% dentoalveolar fracture, 43.1% Le Fort (Le Fort I, Le Fort II, Le Fort III), 31.4% orbital, and 43.1% mandible fractures. The most frequent type of treatment was Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) (77.4%).

CONCLUSION

The most common site of maxillofacial fractures and most frequent treatment used were similar to military or ballistic injuries. ORIF was common treatment.

Effectiveness of placement of second miniplates as tension band unit in mandibular parasymphysis fractures

BACKGROUND

The ideal position of the plates and the need for additional plates are discussed continuously. In mandible, the tensile forces at the fracture line should be neutralized with a tension band. This study evaluated the role of the mandibular arch bar as a tension band eliminating the need for an upper miniplate (tension band plate) in cases of parasymphysis fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this randomized control trial, a total of 90 patients with mandibular parasymphysis fractures underwent treatment in two groups. Group A was treated with one titanium miniplate along with Erich's arch bar. In Group B, two titanium miniplates were placed across the fracture site along with Erich's arch bar. Then, the complications and duration of the operation time were compared between two groups. The results were considered statistically significant when the P < 0.05.

RESULTS

No significant difference was observed between the groups regarding postoperative complication rate. 1 month after surgery in Group A, number of patients with sensory impairment (17%) was significantly lower than Group B (37%) (P = 0.029). Furthermore, the operation time of Group A was significantly shorter than Group B (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In the presence of arch bar, placing one miniplate instead of the routine technique of placing two, do not increase complication rates. Furthermore, it reduces the operation time and costs and results in a better neurosensory recovery outcome in short time.

Comparison of single versus two non-compression miniplates in the management of unfavourable angle fracture of the mandible: a prospective randomized clinical study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of single versus two non-compression miniplates in the management of unfavourable angle fracture of mandible.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 28 patients who required open reduction of mandibular angle fracture were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group I comprised of patients treated with two miniplates and those in group II were treated with single non-compression miniplate. The parameters of assessment were malocclusion, surgical site infection, need for implant removal, duration of surgery, inter-incisal mouth opening and cost of implants used, in both the groups. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare all the parameters.

RESULTS

Out of 14 patients in group II, inadequate reduction was noticed in three patients, whereas screw loosening had occurred in two cases. Screw loosening was always associated with chronic infection. In these cases, hardware removal was deemed necessary. Plate bending was observed in two cases resulting in malocclusion and difficulty in eating. Non-union of fracture occurred in one patient treated in group II. In group I, no plate bending, screw loosening, surgical site infection, non-union or malocclusion was observed. No patient had to undergo implant removal in group I.

CONCLUSION

In the management of unfavourable mandibular angle fracture, two miniplates must be preferred over the use of single miniplate as using two miniplates results in better results with minimal complications.

Osteosynthesis using cannulated headless Herbert screws in mandibular angle fracture treatment: A new approach?

INTRODUCTION

Fractures of the mandibular angle are a common type of facial skull fracture. Although operative treatment includes a wide range of fixation techniques, a definite gold standard method has yet to be established. Headless, cannulated Herbert screws, often used in many forms of minimally invasive trauma surgery, provide functional and stable fracture fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective, double-randomised, controlled, parallel-group - designed, in vitro trial, the biomechanical behaviour of the Herbert bone screw system was compared to that of a conventional locking plate system in 40 mandibular angle fractures of human mandible cadaver phantoms.

RESULTS

The mean stress values were 250 (±68.0) N in the plate subgroup and 200 (±61.0) N in the screw subgroup. The respective mean strain values were 7.90 (±2.7) mm and 6.90 (±2.2) mm, and the respective mean stiffness were values 1.10 (±0.61) N/m and 0.78 (±0.40) N/m. The differences in the results obtained using the two treatments were not significant (p = 0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

The biomechanical behaviour of the two fixation systems within the tested loads did not significantly differ with respect to postoperative parameters clinically relevant in osteosynthesis. Both systems met the mandibular angle assessment criterion, which is considered to be sufficient for clinical use. The results indicate the potential clinical utility of these two systems, and recommend further testing.

Transoral approach alone in single miniplate osteosynthesis of angle fracture - our experience

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of transoral approach alone to treat the mandibular angle fracture using single 2.0 mm miniplate.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 28 patients were included and treated with 2.0 mm single miniplate osteosynthesis at upper border along Champy's line of osteosynthesis using transoral approach alone.

Results:

All the cases were treated successfully with 2.0 mm single miniplate with common complications such as infection (two cases) and plate exposure (one case) in a total of two cases.

Conclusion:

Use of single miniplates by transoral approach alone for superior border osteosynthesis is effective and simple approach without need of extra armamentarium.

Evaluation of changes in anthropometric indexes due to intermaxillary fixation following facial fractures

Background. One of the treatment modalities for facial fractures is closed reduction technique, but treatment with intermaxillary fixation (IMF) interferes with normal nutrition, and malnutrition can affect the patient’s recovery. Anthropometric measurements such as skinfold thickness and body mass index (BMI) are universal indexes for diagnosing malnutrition. Therefore, in this study we explain how treatment with IMF changes the anthropometric indexes.

Methods. In this study 60 patients were treated with 4 weeks of IMF. Skinfold thickness and BMI of these patients were measured and compared before and after the treatment.

Results. Patients’ weight, BMI and skinfold thickness decreased during the IMF period, and this decrease was statistically significant (P < 0.01).

Conclusion. Although no severe and acute malnutrition was seen among our patients, IMF led to mild to moderate malnutrition in some cases, making it necessary to use nutritional supplements.