PURPOSE - The purpose of the study is to evaluate outcomes for three different bone plating techniques used in the treatment of mandibular symphysis/ parasymphysis fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 30 patients with isolated and undisplaced mandible fractures were selected who required open reduction and internal fixation were included in the study. Patients were divided in to 3 groups, Group I – 2.5mm locking Stainless Steel plate used, Group II – two 2.5 mm standard miniplates were used and Group III – 2.0 mm 3-D miniplate were used. Patients were evaluated for clinical and radiographic parameters during a 3 month follow-up period and data subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS: Group I (n=10) had no incidence of complications associated with plating and in group II (n=10) 3 patients had discrepancies in occlusion required IMF during first week after surgery but noticed a good healing of fracture site with no discrepancies in occlusion at 3 month follow-up.2 of the patients had loss of vitality of teeth associated with plating at 3 week follow-up. Patients in group III (n=10) 2 of the patients had discrepancies in occlusion requiring IMF and loss of vitality in 2 patients. Wound dehiscence associated with infection was noticed in 1 patient during 6th postoperative day which healed successfully after local debridement and use of systemic antibiotics. Overall complications had no statistical significance between group II and III, but had significance in comparison with group I.

CONCLUSION – The use of 2 miniplates and 3D plates was associated with more postoperative complications than the use of single locking plate at lower border, but all the three techniques produced sufficient stability for healing.