[Finite element assisted study of the mechanical stability of 2 selected osteosynthesis systems for mandibular...

The aim of this study was to use the finite element method (FEM) to compare the stability of 2.0 mm titanium screws in a triangular configuration with that of a 2.0 mm titanium miniplate as osteosynthesis material following bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. To this end, a model of the mandible was produced, consisting of 19,854 elements and 4285 nodes. The mechanical parameters of the materials investigated were taken from the literature or notified by the manufacturer. On condition that the materials were subjected only to their respective ultimate tensile stress, it was possible to neutralise the following masticatory force: 124.6 N with the miniplate and 167.5 N with the bicortical triangular screw configuration. The limitation of stress ensued from the peri-implant bone and not from the osteosynthesis material per se. The finite element method (FEM) appears to be suitable for simulating complex mechanical stress situations in the maxillofacial area, as also demonstrated by the fact that our data agree with those in the literature and with clinical experience. It will enable considerable savings to be made in terms of time and materials (animal experiments) in the future development of osteosynthesis materials and techniques.