Z-Shaped Versus Conventional Miniplates for Mandibular Fractures

This study compares two different methods of repairing fractures at the front of the lower jaw (the symphysis and parasymphysis). Usually, surgeons fix these displaced fractures using two separate titanium plates, which can be time-consuming to place and lie close to the nerve that supplies feeling to the lower lip and chin. Recently, a single Z-shaped titanium plate was designed to provide the same stability using less hardware, potentially making the surgery easier and safer for the nerve. The purpose of this study is to compare the use of a single Z-shaped miniplate with the conventional two-miniplate technique in adult patients. The researchers will measure how long the surgery takes, the number of screws needed, and how easy it is to place the plates. After the surgery, patients will be monitored for up to 3 months to compare pain levels, facial swelling, jaw movement (mouth opening and side-to-side movement), nerve function, and how well the bone heals on x-rays.