Evaluation of Modified Omega Plate in the Management of Mandibular Fractures Compared With Conventional Fixation

This study was conducted on twelve adult patients with mandibular fracture in mental nerve region, selected from the outpatient clinic, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University.

The selected patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, group I (6 patients) were treated by modified omega bone plate, while group II (6 patients) were treated by 2.0 mm conventional miniplates according to Champy's principle. A comparison between the two groups was conducted.

Modified Omega bone plate is a specially-designed, 8-hole, titanium miniplate modified by adding upper struts to the Ω symbol. It has lower horizontal struts (which provides stability along the lower border) with four holes, the proximal 2 holes are round and the distal are pear shape (compression holes). Two vertical struts at the ends of the horizontal struts (which provide resistance against the torsional forces),Upper horizontal struts (which counteract the tensional forces along the alveolar border) with four holes the proximal 2 holes are round and the distal are pear shape. The omega shape of this plate helps it to adapt easily around the mental neurovascular bundle.

Preoperative evaluation of the patients was carried out by taking history and performing clinical and radiographic examinations. Clinical examination included intraoral and extraoral inspection and palpation of the fracture sites. Radiographic examination was used to determine the site, number, type of fractures and degree of displacement.

Under general anesthesia, the fracture line was exposed through an intraoral approach, and the fracture segments were reduced. In group I, fixation of the reduced segments was done with modified omega bone plate which predetermined virtually. In group II, 2conventional miniplates placed on inferior border & subapical were used to fix the fracture.

Postoperative clinical evaluation were performed immediately, one week, two weeks, one month, three months and postoperative radiographic evaluation were performed immediately, three months and six months. The postoperative clinical evaluation included presence or absence of infection, bony union or stability, state of occlusion, maximal mouth opening, sensory nerve function, condition of teeth related to the fracture line and, patient's tolerance to the plate.

Inclusion criteria

Patients with displaced mandibular parasymphysis or body fracture in the mental nerve region

Indicated for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with systemic diseases that affect bone healing
• Fractures with crushed mental foramen
• Comminuted fractures where fixation is difficult
• Patients with anatomical variations (e.g., bifid inferior alveolar or mental nerve), based on preoperative CT nerve tracing