Comparative evaluation of 2.0-mm locking plate system vs 2.0-mm nonlocking plate system for mandibular fracture: a prospective randomized study

This study evaluated the efficacy of a 2.0-mm locking plate/screw system compared with a 2.0-mm non-locking plate/screw system in mandibular fractures. A prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 2.0-mm locking plates (group A) or 2.0-mm nonlocking plates (group B). All patients were followed up for 12 weeks postoperatively. Complications were analysed according to the type of plate used and the site of fracture. Fifty patients with 76 fractures met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-six fracture sites were treated with 2.0-mm locking plates and 40 with 2.0-mm nonlocking plates. The number of patients requiring postoperative maxillomandibular fixation was significantly higher in group B (p < 0.01); seven complications occurred representing 9% of the total. Two complications occurred in the locking group and five in the nonlocking group with complication rates equalling 6% and 13%, respectively. When comparing the overall complication rates according to plates used, the chi(2) test showed no statistically significant difference between the locking and nonlocking plates (p > 0.05). In conclusion, mandible fractures treated with 2.0-mm locking plates and 2.0-mm nonlocking plates present similar short-term complication rates.