Background and objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes for 2 bone plating systems used in the treatment of mandibular symphysis/body fractures.

Methods: 20 healthy individuals were selected with symphysis/body mandibular fractures and randomly divided into two groups of 10 patients each. Patients in Group A were treated with two (2.5 and 2.0 mm) miniplates. Patients in Group B were treated with a single 1.5 mm interflex plate. Data was collected and statistically analyzed to determine if the 2 treatments produced different outcomes.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in variables such as ease of plate adaptation, time taken for fixation of plates, reduction of osseous fragments, post operative occlusion, fracture reduction, mobility of fragments, post operative infection and IMF required. No plate in group B was evident on palpation postoperatively,wheres 7 in group B were evident on palpation postoperatoively. Satistically a significant difference was seen in terms of this parameter.

Conclusion: InterFlex plate is as effective as the miniplates for fixation of mandibular symphysis/body fractures and far superior in terms of less titanium used and postoperative patent satisfaction.

Key words: mandibular fractures; interflex plates; mini plates