Study of the effect of the shape of the miniplate on the stability of mandibular symphyseal fracture using finite element analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Finite element analysis is a new technology used for mechanical designing, and showing the behavior of the body when subjected to different loads as regards the resulted stresses and displacement. Aim: The aim of this research was to detect the effect of the miniplate shape on stability of the mandibular symphyseal fracture. Patients/Methods: Through this study two configurations of the miniplates were compared. The two miniplates are equal in length, width, thickness and of the same material, only they are different in shapes, one plate was straight and the other was L shaped, they are investigated using three dimensional finite element software. Results: There was no significant difference between straight and L shaped miniplate, however the L shaped miniplate was slightly superior to straight miniplate as regard plate stability. Conclusion: There is no significant difference between the different systems. The shape of miniplate may have a role in stability of mandibular fracture stability, the same plate shows different behavior when fixed at different positions double plate shows more stability than single one ,of the same shape finite element technology is helpful means for designing of different fixation systems.