Comparison and evaluation of biomechanical stability of customized plate over monocortical screws, bicortical screws and 3d plate in mandibular fractures – An in-vitro study

Abstract

Objective: To compare and evaluate the biomechanical stability of a customized plate over miniplate with monocortical screws, miniplate with bicortical screws, and 3D plates across the simulated fractured fragments. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study involves the use of 40 swine Hemi mandibles with 10 in each group. The specimens were divided into four groups. Group I: Fixation with four holed 2mm mini plates with gap and 4 monocortical screws 2x10 mm, Group II: Fixation with four holed 2mm mini plates with gap and 4 bicortical screws of dimension 2x16 mm, Group III: Fixation with 3D plate, Group IV: Fixation with the customized plate fixed with monocortical screws (2 x 10mm) at tension zone and bicortical screws (1.5 x 16mm) at the compression zone. All plates and screws used were made of stainless steel. The Instron universal Testing System is used for analyzing the test material. The maximum resistance load of these fixations was recorded. Results: Group II showed more mechanical resistance than all other groups which is statistically significant (P-value <0.05). Group IV (customized plates) showed equivalent mechanical resistance to group III. Conclusion:The customized plate has good biomechanical strength comparable to a 3D, it can be of great advantage especially with comminuted fractures.