Comparison of Stability of Fracture Segments in Mandible Fracture Treated with Different Designs of Mini-Plates Using FEM Analysis

Abstract

Aim: To compare the displacement gap of mandible fracture segments treated with different designs of mini-plates under various loading conditions. Materials and Methods: Fracture in the body of mandible was bridged with 15 different designs and configuration of titanium mini-plates. Bite forces were applied at 3 locations, ipsilateral fractured side, contra lateral side and incisor site. 3D finite element methods (FEM) model of mandible was generated using 10 nodal tetrahedral elements. A commercial FE solver was used to solve bone inter fragmentary displacement during loading. Results: Superior position of mini-plates produced better stability than inferior position. Positive bending moments can be reduced by larger plate in lower border in 2 plate system. Results of X mini-plate are comparable to 2 plate configuration. If length of middle portion of plate increased, stability decreased. Number of screws did not affect fracture stability. Conclusion: Finite element methods analysis is used to determine the gap between mandible fragments which is otherwise impossible to measure clinically. The results obtained from this study offered us a choice of mini-plate design and configuration for clinical application.