Open AccessBiomechanical evaluation of unilateral subcondylar fracture of the mandible on the varying materials: A finite element analysis
Author(s) -
B. T. Jung,
Won-Hyeon Kim,
Byungho Park,
Jong-Ho Lee,
Bongju Kim,
Jee-Ho Lee
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0240352
Subject(s) - materials science , condyle , fixation (population genetics) , titanium alloy , alloy , magnesium alloy , internal fixation , deformation (meteorology) , composite material , dentistry , orthodontics , medicine , surgery , population , environmental health
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.