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

OBJECTIVE: This prospective randomized study evaluated the efficacy of a 2.0 mm locking plate/screw system compared with a 2.0-mm nonlocking plate/screw system in fixation of 60 isolated non-comminuted mandibular angle fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive a 2.0 mm locking plate (group A, n = 30) or 2.0 mm nonlocking plate (group B, n = 30). All patients were followed up to 6 months postoperatively and evaluated for complications, occlusal stability and overall results of fixation. RESULTS: Five complications occurred in the locking group and fourteen in the non-locking group with complication rates equalling 17% and 47% respectively. When comparing the overall results according to plates used, the chi(2) test showed a statistically significant difference between the locking and non-locking plates (p < 0.01). Fewer patients required IMF in group A. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular angle fractures treated with 2.0 mm locking plates show greater stability and were associated with fewer complications than with 2.0 mm non-locking plates.