Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. · Jan 2007
Comparative StudyResorbable plates for the fixation of mandibular fractures: a prospective study.
The hypothesis for this prospective evaluation is that resorbable plates are equal to the performance of titanium 2-mm plates, regarding healing of the fracture with bone union and restoration of function. To prove this hypothesis, specific end points will be compared with literature norms for titanium 2-mm miniplate rigid fixation. The primary end point variable for this analysis is the union of the fracture and return to normal function. Secondary end point variables included the incidence of complications such as infection, malunion with malocclusion, soft tissue dehiscence, the need for revision surgery, specific technical challenges, operative time, and the learning curve for the surgeon. ⋯ Based on this limited series of patients, the hypothesis formulated for this study was validated.