Finite Element Analysis of Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis With a New Partially Bioabsorbable Distractor

We designed a new distractor pairing a bioabsorbable upper fixing plate fixed by bioabsorbable screws with a traditional titanium distractor to simplify the second surgery removing the distractor after mandibular distraction osteogenesis. The present study aims to evaluate its biomechanical properties using finite element method.

Ten computer-aided designed models simulating mandibles of 5 patients under 2 working conditions, the instance of distraction and mastication, were produced. Simulation surgery was performed on these models to make finite element models. The load boundary conditions, 35.6 N on the distractor, 50N on the unoperated side, and 50N on both sides, were applied on these models to simulate the 2 working conditions. Besides, boundary conditions and contact conditions were also applied.

Maximal mandibular displacement and stress distributed on bioabsorbable upper fixing plate and screws were small enough to maintain stability of distractor during distraction and mastication when setting 50N on unaffected mandible with 5 or 3 bioabsorbable screws. When setting 50N on both sides, the situation was the same with 5 screws but not with 3 screws, maximal mandibular displacement and maximal stress distributed on bioabsorbable upper fixing plate stayed within the safe range but maximal stress on bioabsorbable screws exceeded yield strength of bioabsorbable material with 3 screws.

Both 5 and 3 bioabsorbable screws paired with bioabsorbable upper fixing plate could firmly fix distractor on mandible without plastic deformation in most cases, although the situation would be different when mastication force was too powerful.