Finite Element Analysis of Three Patterns of Internal Fixation of the Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures [Comparative Study]

Abstract

Management of mandibular condyle fractures, one of the most frequent fractures that a maxillofacial surgeon has to handle, remains controversial. Treatment modalities consist of open and closed treatments. Debate in open treatment still in progress regarding the used approach, indications and plating systems. In this study we intended to compare three plating systems (single 2.3 plates, two2.0 miniplates and rhomboid plate) biomechanically, and to conclude which one is the most stable in the treatment of subcondylar fractures using finite element analysis. Virtual simulation of human mandible with subcondylar fracture that was reduced and fixed using three different plating systems: Single 2.3 plate placed along the axis of condylar neck upon posterior border of the ramus Double 2.0 plates placed in offset pattern along the posterior border of the mandible and the sigmoid notch. Rhombic plate placed confining to the anatomical configuration of the condylar neck.