Since the introduction of the Champy miniplate in treatment of mandibular fractures, the potential and effectiveness of this method has been demonstrated in many clinical studies. Inspite of the encouraging results some authors have raised doubts as to the functional stability of miniplates. The aim of this study is to evaluate load resistance of mandibular fractures treated with miniplate osteosynthesis using bite force recorder. 20 patients with mandibular fracture were selected and treated by open reduction and internal fixation using titanium conventional mini plates. The bite force measurements were performed pre­operatively and postoperatively at follow up intervals of 12th hour post­operatively, 1st week, 2nd week, 4th week and 6thweek using bite force recorder. The maximum bite force increased from 11.62% at 12th hourly, 25.69% at 1 week, 34.17% at 2 weeks, 53.39% at 4 weeks and 64.34% at 6 weeks postoperatively. This increase in bite force values was found to be significant at each postoperative follow up period. However, the maximum bite force value even at the end of 6 weeks was significantly less as compared to the maximum bite force value in controls.

Keywords: Mandible Fracture; Miniplates; Champy’s Osteosynthesis; Bite Force.