Evaluation of the efficacy of the novel all-rounder hinge plating system in maxillofacial fractures - An <i>in vivo</i> study.

Abstract

<h4>Introduction</h4>Conventional mini-plating systems for maxillofacial fractures have greatly aided in the reduction and fixation of fractures to anatomical positions with minimal post-operative complications. However, it was insignificant in terms of the management of comminuted or complicated fractures of the maxillofacial region.<h4>Aim/purpose</h4>To evaluate the efficacy of the novel all-rounder hinge plating system in the treatment of complicated maxillofacial fractures.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>A total of 19 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were a part of this clinical study and underwent pre-surgical investigations prior to treatment with the novel all-rounder hinge plating system for the management of complicated maxillofacial fractures. The plating system was evaluated for ease of handling, efficiency, stability, clinical function, and aesthetic outcomes intra- and post-operatively.<h4>Results</h4>Based on this study, the novel all-rounder hinge plating system produced satisfactory results in 57.9% of cases and high satisfaction in 42.1% of cases. The operating surgeons expressed 83% satisfaction with the ease of handling the novel plating system and 88% better aesthetic outcomes. The post-operative clinical function was evaluated on days 7, 15, 45, and 6 months. It showed a positive significant difference from day 7 (63.2%) up to day 45 (94.7%) while not significant from day 45 to the 6th month.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The novel all-rounder hinge plating system has shown positive significant differences in terms of clinical function, aesthetic outcomes, and good stability of such complicated maxillofacial fractures. It provides a dual benefit of replacing the existing conventional mini-plating system and also aids in the efficient management of comminuted and complicated maxillofacial fractures.