Biomechanical evaluation of unilateral subcondylar fracture of the mandible on the varying materials: A finite element analysis

• Published in: PloS one 2020-10, Vol.15 (10), p.e0240352-e0240352
• Main Authors: Jung, Bryan Taekyung, Kim, Won Hyeon, Park, Byungho, Lee, Jong-Ho, Kim, Bongju, Lee, Jee-Ho
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorbable Implants; Alloys - chemistry; Biology and Life Sciences; Biomechanics; Bone Screws; Bones; Boundary conditions; Care and treatment; Comparative analysis; Deformation; Deformation effects; Dentistry; Design; Durapatite - chemistry; Elastic Modulus; Engineering and Technology; Evaluation; Finite Element Analysis; Finite element method; Fixation; Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods; Fractures; Hospitals; Humans; Hydroxyapatite; Injuries; Magnesium; Magnesium base alloys; Mandible; Mandibular Fractures - surgery; Mathematical models; Maxillofacial surgery; Mechanical properties; Medicine and Health Sciences; Orthopedic fixation devices; Physical Sciences; Physiological aspects; Polyesters - chemistry; Polylactic acid; Stress; Stress concentration; Stress distribution; Surgical implants; Tensile Strength; Titanium; Titanium - chemistry; Transplants & implants
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240352

Fixation materials used in the surgical treatment of subcondylar fractures contribute to successful clinical outcomes. In this study, we simulated the mechanical properties of four fixation materials [titanium (Ti), magnesium alloy (Mg alloy), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and hydroxyapatite/poly-L-lactide (HA-PLLA)] in a finite-element analysis model of subcondylar fracture. Two four-hole plates were fixed on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the subcondyle of the mandible. In the simulation model of a subcondylar fracture, we evaluated the stress distribution and mechanical deformation of fixation materials. The stress distribution conspicuously appeared on the condylar neck of the non-fractured side and the center of the anterior plate for all materials. More stress distribution to the biologic component appeared with HA-PLLA than with Ti or Mg alloy, but its effects were less prominent than that of PLLA. The largest deformation was observed with PLLA, followed by HA-PLLA, Mg alloy, and Ti. The results of the present study imply the clinical potential of the HA-PLLA fixation material for open reduction of subcondylar fractures.