"Comparison of the efficacy of Erich arch bars, IMF screws and SMART Lock Hybrid arch bars in the management of mandibular fractures- A Randomized clinical study"

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the efficacy of Erich Arch Bar (EAB), Inter Maxillary Fixation (IMF) screws and SMART Lock Hybrid arch bar (HABs) in the treatment of mandibular fractures.

Materials and methods: A prospective randomized clinical study was carried out in the Department of Dentistry at ESIC Hospital in Hyderabad from August 2021 to August 2023. The study comprised of three groups (EAB group (31), IMF screw group (33) and HABs group (29)).Primary outcome variable was occlusal stability. Secondary outcome variables were time taken to apply the device, glove perforation, oral hygiene assessment by Modified Turskey Gilmore Plaque index, Quality of life (QOL) assessment by General Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI), mucosal growth and dental injuries.

Results: The average application time for EAB, IMF screws and HABs was 78 min, 15 min and 19 min respectively. No significant difference was noticed in occlusal stability at the end of 1 week and 4 weeks follow-up period. There was no statistically significant difference in instances of dental injury among the three groups. However, there were statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the time taken to apply, glove perforation, oral hygiene levels, mucosal overgrowth and total GOHAI score among the 3 groups.

Conclusion: HABs and IMF screws may be recommended over EABfor MMF inmandibular dentate segment fracture management due to their advantages including quick application, enhanced occlusal stability, and QOL, all of which are required for a better functional outcome.