The influence of stress distribution in four different fixation systems used in treatment of mandibular angle fractures - a three-dimensional finite element analysis

Aim To study and compare the stress distribution fields in four fixative materials used commonly in the treatment of angle of the mandible fractures using finite element analysis (FEA). Materials and methods Using commercially available FEA software, four three‐dimensional models of the mandibular angle region were created by graphical representation, and an oblique unfavourable fracture was simulated. A conventional titanium miniplate, a three‐dimensional titanium miniplates, a locking titanium miniplates and a bioresorbable plate were modelled three‐dimensionally and applied to the mandibular angle region of the model, and stress distribution fields of each were analysed under similar loading conditions. Results The locking titanium plate and the three‐dimensional titanium plate had favourable stress distribution when compared with the conventional titanium miniplating system and the bioresorbable plating system, showing that they were superior to the latter in terms of post‐fixation stability. Conclusion The locking titanium miniplate and the three‐dimensional titanium miniplate would offer better fixation stability in the post‐fixation period when compared with the conventional titanium miniplate and the bioresorbable plating system.