Biomechanics of Manual-Bent Versus Patient-Specific Mandibular Implants

The patient-specific mandibular reconstruction plate (PSMRP) has gained prominence for its precise adaptation to mandibular contours and reported enhanced mechanical reliability compared to the manual-bent mandibular reconstruction plate (MBMRP). Despite this, a biomechanical comparison between MBMRP and PSMRP is essential for informed clinical decision-making and advancing the field of mandibular reconstruction. Thereupon, biomechanical behavior was compared between two reconstructed mandibles with the MBMRP made of commercial pure titanium plate and the PSMRP stemmed from a common ramus reconstruction case, respectively, in physiological simulation using finite element analyses. Results reveal that the PSMRP presents greater safety and better stability to the reconstructed mandible than the MBMRP in the physiological situation, indicated by over 45% lower peak equivalent von Mises stress and more than 35% less maximum displacement.