Biomechanical analysis of titanium fixation plates and screws in mandibular angle fractures

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanical behavior of different rigid fixation methods in mandibular angle fractures.Materials and Methods: Three different three-dimensional finite element models of the mandible were developed to simulate the biomechanical responses of titanium plates and screws. The fracture lines were fixed with double 4-hole straight, 4-hole square, and 5-hole Y plates with monocortical screws. 150 N incisal occlusal loads were simulated on the models. The commercial ANSYS software was utilized to calculate the Von Mises stresses on fixative appliances.Results: The highest Von Mises stress values were observed in the Y plate, whereas the lowest stress values have been found in the square plate.Conclusions: The use of square plate led to better stability and lower mechanical stresses than other techniques.Keywords: Bone plates, bone screws, finite element analysis, jaw fixation techniques, mandible, mandibular fracture