Finite element analysis of single miniplate and modified 'F'-shaped plate in stabilization of mandibular angle...

Mandibular angle fractures pose biomechanical challenges due to complex muscular forces and anatomical variations. Conventional straight miniplates are widely used, but may concentrate stresses at the fracture site and screw holes. Advances in plate design and finite element analysis (FEA) enable evaluation of alternative fixation methods, including the F-plate. In this study, a three-dimensional mandibular model incorporating a unilateral angle fracture with a 1-mm interfragmentary gap was generated. Fixation was performed with either a conventional four-hole miniplate or a novel F-plate, each secured with monocortical titanium screws. Finite element meshes were created in ANSYS Mechanical 2020 R2, and physiological muscle forces were applied under simulated postoperative clenching. Simulations were performed using isotropic and orthotropic cortical bone models, and von Mises stress, strain distribution, and deformation patterns were assessed for the mandible, plates, and screws. The F-plate demonstrated reduced deformation (mandible deformation 0.105 mm compared with 0.16 mm for the miniplate, and plate deformation 0.03 mm compared with 0.05 mm for the miniplate), lower peak stresses (382 MPa compared with 474 MPa for the miniplate), and more favorable strain distribution (0.003364 mm/mm) compared with 3.8865 mm/mm for the miniplate, with the effect more pronounced under orthotropic modeling. Orthotropic simulations predicted lower mandibular displacement and more physiological stress pathways than isotropic models. Stress concentrations in miniplates were localized at the central screw holes, whereas the F-plate distributed loads evenly across the fixation points. These findings suggest that the F-plate provides superior biomechanical stability, with enhanced load sharing and reduced stress concentration, particularly when orthotropic bone properties are considered. Incorporation of orthotropic modeling enhances the predictive accuracy of FEA, and should be applied in preoperative biomechanical assessments. Clinical validation is required to support these in-silico results.