Efficacy of Microplates versus Miniplates in the Management of Maxillofacial Fractures

INTRODUCTION: Increased facial trauma has led to advances in techniques of internal fixation, improvements in plating system, refinements in exposure of facial skeleton fueling the rapid use of internal fixation for the management of facial fractures. Evaluating 40 patients with confirmed midfacial (Le Fort I and II) and mandibular fractures, this study presents the efficacy of microplate in comparison with miniplate in terms of load bearing capacity, stability at the fracture site and postoperative palpability. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of microplates in comparison with miniplates in maxillofacial trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study sample consists 40 subjects, 20 each in two groups clinically and radiographically diagnosed with Group 1 (maxillary) and Group 2 (mandibular fractures) which were subdivided into 10 each treated with miniplate and microplate respectively. Postoperatively, stability of fracture, bite force, need for postop MMF, pain, infection, wound dehiscence, mouth opening, occlusion and palpability was noted. All cases have been evaluated clinically for various parameters for minimum of 3 months to assess any postoperative complications. RESULTS: We found microplates are stable enough and have adequate load bearing capacity. Due to close adaptability and less hardware, postoperative palpability is less but larger sample study with long term follow up is necessary to conclude its efficacy in load bearing fracture sites.