A comparative study on evaluation of role of 1.5 mm microplates and 2.0 mm standard miniplates in management of mandibular fractures using bite force as indicator of recommendation

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the maximum voluntary bite force generated at different periods during mandibular fracture healing using miniplates and microplates as means of rigid internal fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maximum voluntary bite force was recorded in healthy young individuals of different age group from either gender. Patients suffering from symphyseal and parasymphyseal and body fractures were selected and randomly treated using miniplate and microplate osteosynthesis by open reduction and rigid internal fixation. Postoperative bite forces at intervals of 1(st), 2(nd), 4(th), and 6(th) week were recorded and compared with control group. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS: It was noticed that bite forces were significantly reduced in the study groups in comparison to control group and at different intervals of treatment. There was a progressive improvement in the bite force with passage of time. There was no statistical significance in the observed bite force in both the study groups at different intervals of assessment. CONCLUSION: 1.5 mm microplates provide adequate stability comparable to miniplates for the treatment of fractured mandible and should be preferred over miniplates. We further suggest that bite forces should be considered for the assessment of clinical union of bone as well as studies pertaining to selection of hardware for rigid internal fixation.