Two-screw osteosynthesis of the mandibular condylar head with different screw materials: a finite element analysis

This study compared the biomechanical behavior of titanium, magnesium, and polylactic acid screws for two-screw osteosynthesis of mandibular condylar head fractures using finite element analysis. Von Mises stress distribution, fracture displacement, and fragment deformation were evaluated. Titanium screws performed the best in terms of carrying the highest load, resulting in the least fracture displacement and fragment deformation. Magnesium screws showed intermediate results, while PLA screws were found to be unsuitable with stress values exceeding their tensile strength. These findings suggest that magnesium alloys could be considered a suitable alternative to titanium screws in mandibular condylar head osteosynthesis.