Finite-Element Analysis of a New Designed Miniplate which is Used via Intraoral Approach to the Mandible Angle Fracture: Comparison of the Different Fixation Techniques

Abstract

The mandible is the largest facial bone as well as the most commonly fractured bone in the maxillofacial region. Despite numerous studies conducted to identify optimal treatment modalities and plates configurations for intraoral and transoral approaches, no definitive conclusion has been reached. This study used finite element analysis (FEA) to assess 4 scenarios for treatment of an angle fracture (6-hole noncompression miniplate; 6-hole single plate/Champy's technique, 3D strut plate; 2 parallel 4-hole noncompression miniplates). Analysis included segmental displacement and Von Mises Stress evaluations of a 3D reconstruction of a human mandible. Von Mises Stress values for plates did not vary significantly among treatment groups. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in cumulative displacement of segments subjected to vertical and horizontal loads, with all treatment configurations demonstrating clinical acceptability.