A Comparative Clinical Evaluation of Yang’s Keyhole Plate Versus Conventional Plate for Treatment of Mandibular Sub-Condylar Fractures

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate both clinically the use of keyhole plate compared with the two miniplates in fixation of extracapsular mandibular subcondylar fractures. Subjects and Methods: Twenty patients (16 males and 4 females) who met inclusion criteria were be divided randomly into 2 equal groups. Group I: consisted of ten patients with extracapsular sub condylar fracture was treated with 2 yang’s keyhole plates. Group II: consisted of ten patients with extracapsular subcondylar fracture were treated with two standard miniplates. Patients assessed clinically by Maximal mouth opening, Protrusive excursive movement, Lateral excursive movement, and Time for reduction and fixation. Results: maximum mouth opening, protrusive excursive movement, lateral excursive movement, At 1 st week, 3rd week, 3 rd month, and 6 th month, there was a statistically non-significant difference between study and control groups. Conclusion: The YK-plate was thought to be easier to apply in clinical practice while taking advantage of sliding-plate system. Reduction of mandibular condylar fracture using YK-plate had shorter operative time compared to those with conventional mini plate rigid fixation.