Comparison of functional outcomes and patient-reported satisfaction between titanium and absorbable plates and screws for fixation of mandibular fractures: A one-year prospective study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the 1-year functional outcomes and patient-reported satisfaction in treating mandibular fractures between resorbable and titanium fixation devices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 1-year prospective study was conducted; 41 consecutive patients presenting with mandibular fractures were included. A resorbable system was used in 21 patients, while in 20 patients a titanium fixation device was used. Functional outcome was evaluated objectively at several time points (2, 4 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 year after surgery). Bite forces over molars and incisors, mouth opening distance, occlusal status, operation time, fee for implants, bone healing and plate-associated complications were evaluated. Functional and overall satisfaction was measured by patients themselves subjectively.

RESULTS: A statistical difference was found only in maximal mouth opening and molar bite force, both greater for the titanium group in the 2-week time point, achieving comparable measurements in subsequent ones. This coincides with the patient-reported statistically lower satisfaction rates. The cost of the resorbable device was nearly 3 times more expensive than the titanium devices.

CONCLUSION: Resorbable fixation can achieve stability of bone healing at 1 year postoperatively, with functional and satisfaction outcomes comparable to those associated with titanium hardware from the fourth week postoperatively, while yielding unique advantages.