Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Different Plating Techniques for Unfavorable Mandibular Angle Fractures

The purpose of the current study was to assess the biomechanical behavior of 5 different fixation schemes for unfavorable mandibular angle fractures using the three-dimensional finite element analysis method. Five different miniplate fixation schemes were modeled for the fixation of unfavorable mandibular angle fractures. A double parallel miniplate (M1), which was placed at the halfway point of the mandibular angle height; a 1/3 superior-positioned miniplate (M2); a single miniplate (M3), which was placed at the halfway point of the mandibular angle height (1/2 middle-positioned); a 1/3 inferior-positioned miniplate (M4); and an X-miniplate which was placed at the halfway point of the mandibular angle height (M5). The lowest mechanical stresses were detected in the double miniplate model when compared with the other schemes, whereas 1/3 inferior-positioned miniplate had the highest stress and displacement values. The authors suggest that the double miniplate is an adequate rigid fixation technique, whereas the 1/3 inferior-positioned miniplate configuration should not be used in case of unfavorable mandibular angle fracture. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Aysa Ayali, DDS, PhD, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Near East University, Near East Boulevard, Nicosia 99138, Mersin 10, Turkey; E-mail: aysaayali@hotmail.com Received 27 September, 2017 Accepted 21 November, 2017 The authors report no conflicts of interest. © 2018 by Mutaz B. Habal, MD.

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