Mechanical evaluation of different fixation materials used for mandibular condyle fractures: Finite element analysis

In this study, comparative evaluation of the mechanical properties of resorbable and titanium miniplates, which are used for the fixation of the mandibular condyle fractures, was carried out using finite element analysis (FEA). To do so, first two dimensional computed tomography images of mandibles recorded from ten adult patients were converted into three-dimensional solid body models. Then these models were transferred to the finite element software. In the finite element stage of the study, a condyle fracture was created onto the mandible and double-titanium and double-resorbable miniplates were separately fixed to the mandible surface such that the fractured sites to be firmly attached. Stress distribution over the plates and interfragmentary displacements between adjacent surfaces, which stem from the mastication force applying to the mandible, were calculated using FEA. It was observed from the results that maximum stresses occurred in the titanium miniplates were significantly higher than those obtained from resorbable miniplates (p<;0.01). Furthermore, higher maximum displacements between fractured surfaces were observed in the case of resorbable plate systems than thatofthe titanium system (p>0.01). Maximum stress and displacement values obtained from both titanium and resorbable plate systems were under clinically and mechanically acceptable limits. According to the results, resorbable plates showed a similar reliability of mechnanical strength with titanium miniplates.