Assessment of the Biomechanical Performance of 5 Plating Techniques in Fixation of Mandibular Subcondylar Fracture Using Finite Element Analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the performances of 5 plating techniques for fixation of unilateral mandibular subcondylar fracture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five titanium plating techniques for fixation of condylar fracture were analyzed using the finite element method. The modeled techniques were 1) 1 straight plate, 2) 2 parallel straight plates, 3) 2 angulated straight plates, 4) 1 trapezoidal plate, and 5) 1 square plate. Three-dimensional models were generated using patient-specific geometry for the mandible obtained from a computerized tomographic image of a healthy living man. Plates were designed and combined with the mandible and analyzed under a 500-N load.

RESULTS: The single straight plate presented the most inferior performance; it presented maximum displacement and strain on cortical bone. The trapezoidal plate induced the least amount of strain on cortical bone and was best at resisting displacement.

CONCLUSION: The trapezoidal plate is recommended for fixation of subcondylar fracture.