Finite Element Analysis of Two Patterns of Internal Fixation of the Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures (Comparative Study).

Abstract

Aim: The aim of our study is to compare two plating techniques (delta plate and two miniplates) biomechanically, and to conclude which one is the more stable in the treatment of subcondylar fractures.

Materials and methods: 3D model of human mandible was constructed on work bench solid works program and manipulated to mimic true subcondylar fracture with proximal and distal parts fully separated, three designs of plating techniques was constructed and wrapped on the mandible model, the final two models was exported to FEM software as solid models with masticatory muscles molded bilaterally in addition to contralateral molar clenching task, linear elastic solution was constructed for each model and results was assigned according to von misses stresses upon hardware, jaw bone and total model deformation in each configuration.

Result: Double plating 2.0 design showed optimal results compared to delta plate.

Conclusion: Double plating 2.0 design is the gold standard and the best method of fixation for the mandibular subcondylar fractures provided that available space is enough for the application of the two plates.