Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the 2.0-mm 3-dimensional curved angle strut plate with 2.0-mm non-compression miniplate in the fixation of mandibular angle fractures.

Design: This prospective study, compared patients treated with 2.0-mm 3-dimensional curved angle strut plate ( n = 20), to those treated with 2.0-mm non-compression miniplate ( n = 20) for fixation of mandibular angle fractures. Inclusion criteria were non-communited, non-infected mandibular angle fractures indicated for open reduction and dentition complete enough to apply stable Erich arch bar.

Background and aims: Primary aim of these methods was to make patient return to function as soon as possible, and to attain anatomic reduction. Although miniplates are less technique sensitive and provide good post operative occlusion, the complications such as gaping at the inferior border with a single superior border plate and higher rate of infection with 2 plates are overcome with the 3-D strut plate. The design of the strut plate is conceptually that of 2 linear plates connected by reinforcing vertical struts therefore they provide better results

Results: 25% of patients treated with 2.0-mm non-compression miniplate developed post operative complications such as occlusal disturbances, infections, delayed union and wound dehiscence at the follow up period of 6 weeks, where as only 10% of patients treated with 2.0-mm 3-dimensional curved angle strut plate developed complications.

Conclusion: The 2.0-mm 3-D curved angle strut plate had better results and fewer complications compared to the 2.0-mm non-compression miniplate in the treatment of mandibular angle fractures.

Conflict of interest: None declared.