Template for positioning miniplates (PUNPLAPOT-M) on mandibular symphysis: Novel innovation.

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to check the efficacy of PUNPLAPOT-innovative Template for positioning of the bone miniplate for fracture fixation.

Material and methods: Twenty dried mandible specimens were used in this study. The specimens were then divided into two groups using random sampling. Each group consisted of ten mandibles each. The mandibles were fractured in mandibular symphysis region. Study group mandibles were subjected to fixation using 2.5 mm titanium miniplate using PUNPLAPOT plate positioning template. Control group specimens were subjected to fracture fixation without the use of template. All the 20 specimens were then subjected to dial gauge test of parallelism. Plate orientation with respect to lower border of mandible was checked for both the groups. PUNPLAPOT 2.0 is developed to be used in extremely oblique fractures.

Results: Significant difference was noted in review parameters -plate parallelism and distance of screws from fracture line within study and control group. Results obtained with this template were statistically significant.

Conclusion: PUNPLAPOT definitely provides the maxillofacial surgeons a reliable template to position the miniplate at an optimum position. The template has few limitations like comminuted lower border fractures and severely oblique fractures. Further device development is aimed towards overcoming these.