Effectiveness of Titanium Orbita Miniplates Versus Conventional Titanium Miniplates in Fixation of Mandibular Angle Fractures: A Prospective Pilot Study
摘要
To evaluate the clinical feasibility and performance of titanium orbita miniplates compared to conventional straight titanium miniplates in the fixation of simple, undisplaced mandibular angle fractures.
Materials and MethodsA prospective randomized pilot study was conducted on 20 patients with isolated unilateral or bilateral mandibular angle fractures. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 10 each). Group A was treated with 2.0 mm titanium orbita miniplates, and Group B with conventional 2.0 mm 4-hole with gap titanium miniplates placed along the superior border. Parameters assessed included intraoperative time, plate adaptability (assessed using a predefined subjective scale), bite force, occlusal stability, anatomical reduction, neurosensory deficits, and postoperative infection.
ResultsOrbita miniplates demonstrated significantly improved intraoperative adaptability compared to conventional miniplates. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in intraoperative time, bite force, occlusal stability, anatomical reduction, neurosensory outcomes, or infection rates.
ConclusionWithin the limitations of this pilot randomized study, including the small sample size and 12-week follow-up period, titanium orbita miniplates and conventional titanium miniplates demonstrated comparable clinical outcomes in the fixation of simple, undisplaced mandibular angle fractures. Orbita miniplates showed improved intraoperative adaptability and handling characteristics, supporting their feasibility as an alternative fixation option rather than demonstrating treatment superiority. Larger randomized controlled studies with longer follow-up are required to establish definitive comparative effectiveness.