Mechanical aspects of a multidirectional, angular stable osteosynthesis system and comparison with four conventional...

Area of Science:

• Maxillofacial surgery
• Orthopaedic implant technology

Background:

• Mandibular fracture fixation commonly uses plates and screws.
• Angular stable osteosynthesis plate systems, an adaptation from orthopaedics, offer enhanced stability by creating an internal fixator effect.
• This internal fixator principle minimizes bone surface compression, promoting more stable fragment fixation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a modified multidirectional osteosynthesis system (TiFix) for maxillofacial application.
• To compare the TiFix system against four established osteosynthesis systems, including an angular stable option.
• To assess the resistance to deformation of these systems in various materials.

Main Methods:

• A new multidirectional osteosynthesis system (TiFix) was adapted for the maxillofacial region.
• The TiFix system was compared to four established systems (Mondial, Medicon, Synthes, Leibinger-Stryker).
• Resistance to deformation was tested after fixation in four different materials.

Main Results:

• The TiFix system demonstrated superior resistance to deformation compared to non-angular stable systems.
• This enhanced stability was achieved even when using fewer screws than conventional methods.

Conclusions:

• The TiFix system provides greater stability in mandibular fixation, even with reduced screw usage.
• Clinical benefits include smaller incisions, less soft tissue trauma, improved aesthetics, shorter operation times, and cost reduction.