Computed tomography based three dimensional finite element analyses of various types of plates placed for virtually reduced unilateral condylar fracture of the mandible of the patient

Publication date: Available online 24 February 2017
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Kazuhiro Murakami, Kazuhiko Yamamoto, Tsutomu Sugiura, Satoshi Horita, Yumiko Matsusue, Tadaaki Kirita
PurposeTo evaluate stresses in various types of plates placed for virtually reduced unilateral condylar fracture of the mandible using computed tomography (CT)-based three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of the patient to select the optimal plate system.Materials and methodsA CT-based FE model of the mandible of a patient with unilateral condylar fracture was constructed. The fracture was virtually reduced and fixed with one and two straight titanium plate(s), two straight poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) plates, and 4-hole (box), 5-hole (strut), and 7-hole (lambda) condylar plates. Stresses developing in these plates were analyzed by applying 478.1 N of bite force at the first molar of the contralateral side of the mandible.ResultThe magnitudes of tensile stress were within the tensile strength in all types of plates. However, the magnitudes of compressive stress in one straight titanium plate and two straight PLLA plates were beyond the compressive strength. The tensile and compressive stresses of the 5-hole (strut) plate were the smallest among the three types of condylar plates.ConclusionFixation by two straight titanium plates or any types of condylar plates was biomechanically indicated for the condylar fracture of this patient. Among these plates, the 5-hole (strut) plate was considered optimal. FE analysis is useful in selecting the optimal fixation method in the individual patient.



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