[3-d finite element analyses of the internal fixation of mandibular fracture]

In this paper was analyzed the biomechanical behavior of the mental fractured mandible under the rigid internal fixation (RIF). ANSYS and Pro/E were used to develop a 3-D finite element (3-D FE) model of the mental fractured mandible. By the use of boundary constraints, four biting conditions were simulated. The stress and strain of the mandible and the miniplate-screw were compared under two treatment regimens of one or two miniplate(s) fixation conditions. The strain was larges relatively when fixed with only one miniplate or under the unilateral biting condition, so it would not benefit the healing of bone. Through the biomechanical study, the 3-D FEA of fractured mandible can direct the clinical treatment, and it could serve as a foundation on which to carry out the subsequent biomechanical study for RIF of mandible.