Background and objectives : Miniplate osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures developed by Champy et al. recommended that fixation should be done within 12 h of injury and Cawood further suggested upto 24 h of injury. The delay could be due to many factors which imperative in developing countries like India. The aim of this paper is to review the cases of delayed osteosynthesis retrospectively, to evaluate the complication rates.

Materials and methods : The data of operated mandibular fractures is collected from Trauma records of the time period between 2011 and 2013. Only those cases with miniplate osteosynthesis and delay of surgery more than 24 h after the injury were included.

Results : A total of 59 patients with 73 fractures were included in the study. Time delay between injury and surgery ranged from 1 day to 24 days. Age range varied from 17 to 60 years. All patients underwent successful osteosynthesis. Temporary paresthesia was reported in three patients and one patient has infection which was controlled with drainage and antibiotics.

Conclusion : In mandibular fractures the delay in surgical treatment can be managed successfully using miniplates and the complication rates are comparable with that of immediate osteosynthesis.

Key words : delayed osteosynthesis; mandiblar fractures; miniplates; complications