Biomechanical evaluation of different angle-stable locking plate systems for mandibular surgery

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Orthopedic Biomechanics

Background:

• Mandibular fractures require stable fixation for effective reconstruction.
• Locking plate systems offer enhanced stability in complex reconstructions.
• Comparing different locking systems is crucial for optimizing clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the initial stability and fatigue resistance of three distinct mandibular locking plate systems: Synthes®, Stryker®, and Medartis®.
• To determine the mechanical performance of these systems under simulated physiological loading conditions.

Main Methods:

• Standardized locking plates and 2.0 mm screws were used with artificial bone.
• Four-point bending tests assessed initial stability and failure limits.
• Stiffness was calculated using linear regression between 2 Nm and 6 Nm applied moment.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in elastic stiffness were observed among the three plate systems.
• The Synthes® and Stryker® systems supported a significantly higher maximal load compared to the Medartis® system.
• Fatigue stability varied between the systems, with Synthes® and Stryker® showing superior performance.

Conclusions:

• All three locking systems provide reliable results for clinical mandibular fixation.
• The Synthes® and Stryker® systems exhibit superior mechanical strength in load-bearing capacity.
• Clinical choices may also depend on practical factors like handling and screw angulation.