25753869
OBJECTIVE	This prospective randomized study evaluated the efficacy of a 2.0 mm locking plate/screw system compared with a 2.0-mm nonlocking plate/screw system in fixation of 60 isolated non-comminuted mandibular angle fractures .
METHODS	Sixty patients were randomly assigned to receive a 2.0 mm locking plate ( group A , n = 30 ) or 2.0 mm non-locking plate ( group B , n = 30 ) .
METHODS	All patients were followed up to 6 months postoperatively and evaluated for complications , occlusal stability and overall results of fixation .
RESULTS	Five complications occurred in the locking group and fourteen in the non-locking group with complication rates equalling 17 % and 47 % respectively .
RESULTS	When comparing the overall results according to plates used , the test showed a statistically significant difference between the locking and non-locking plates ( p < 0.01 ) .
RESULTS	Fewer patients required IMF in group A.
CONCLUSIONS	Mandibular angle fractures treated with 2.0 mm locking plates show greater stability and were associated with fewer complications than with 2.0 mm non-locking plates .

