Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Comparison of Pre-Adjusted 3D Plating System Employing 3D Printing Verses Conventional 3D Plating in the Management of Mandibular Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Prajwalit P. Kende, Ashish Sunilkumar Sarda*, Jayant Landge, Maroti Wadewale, Varthangpuii and Suleka Ranganath

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of pre-adjusted 3D plating system employing 3D printing with conventional 3D plating in the management of mandibular fractures.

Methods: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted where the study sample (n=20) were randomly divided into two groups with age ranging from 18-45 years. In group 1 (control group), 3D plate was adapted and fixated conventionally to the fracture site while in group 2 (experimental group), pre-bent 3D plate was adapted and fixated to the fracture site. The primary outcomes assessed were number of bends required to adapt 3D plate and duration of fracture fixation. The secondary outcomes assessed were pain during adaptation of 3D plate, postoperative occlusal stability, and reduction in lingual splaying and postoperative complications. CONSORT guidelines have been followed for this Randomised Controlled Trial.

Results: There was a statistically highly significant difference seen for the values between group 1 and group 2 for the number of bends required (p=0.000, p<0.01) and duration of fracture fixation (p=0.001, p<0.01). There was statistically significant difference seen between the values of pain during adaptation of 3D plate (p=0.033, p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference seen for postoperative occlusal stability, reduction in lingual splay and postoperative complications.

Conclusion: Application of pre-adjusted plates is superior to conventionally applied plates in terms of reducing the number of bends, duration of fracture fixation and pain during adaptation of 3D plate.