Evaluation of Stress Distribution of Four Different Fixation Systems at High- and Low-Level Subcondylar Fractures on a Nonhomogenous Finite Element Model

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to provide insight into a suitable fixation system for subcondylar fractures located at different levels.

Materials and Methods: High and low subcondylar fractures were simulated on a nonhomogenous mandibular model, and rhombic, trapezoid, and lambda plates and 2 miniplates were used for fixation. The stress in the bone and displacement of the fracture site were measured using finite element analysis.

Results: For both high and low subcondylar fractures, the lowest von Mises stress was measured in the rhombic plate system. For high subcondylar fractures, the highest tension in the cortical bone was measured in the trapezoid plate system, and the highest compression was measured in the rhombic plate system. For low subcondylar fractures, the highest tension in the bone was measured in the rhombic system and the highest compression was measured in the trapezoid system. In both high and low subcondylar fracture models, the least displacement amount was measured in the 2-plate system.

Conclusions: The results of the present study have shown that the rhombic plate system might be the proper choice for high subcondylar fractures and the 2-plate system might provide better results for low subcondylar fractures. (C) 2020 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons