A Finite Element Analysis of Single, Double & Matrix Miniplate in Fracture of the Mandibular ANGLE Region: An In Vitro Study.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of three osteosynthesis systems in fixation of mandibular angle fractures using Finite Element Analysis.

Materials and methods: In this study, we used a three-dimensional finite element analysis to assess the stress, deformation and strain in three different groups with bite force loads. A three-dimensional finite element model of the mandible with three different plating techniques using modelling software 'Solidworks2018' and was analysed for stress, deformation and strain produced in the bone following biting loads of different magnitude using analysing software 'ANSYS Workbench'.

Results: In this study, we found out that the tensile forces in the matrix miniplate with vertical struts were well distributed in the cortical and cancellous bone on comparison with other two fixation systems in fixation of the mandibular angle fracture and therefore prevents lateral displacement, torsion and bending. The matrix miniplate system revealed less displacement of the fracture segments as compared to the other two plating systems.

Conclusion: The use of matrix miniplate for the treatment of mandibular angle fractures can be considered efficacious. The stress transferred onto the cortical & cancellous bone is least in the matrix plate leading to better stability of the fixation system.