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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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In situ Compressive Loading and Correlative Noninvasive Imaging of the Bone-periodontal Ligament-tooth Fibrous Joint
Published on: March 7, 2014
Biomechanical Integrity Following Hemimandibulectomy With Free Fibular Flap Reconstruction Under External Impact
Sravani Malapati1, Divya Puvvada1, Shivajiraju Uddarraju1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Annals of Maxillofacial Surgery
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Reconstructing hemimandibles with fibular free flaps creates biomechanical vulnerabilities, increasing fracture risk under high-impact trauma. Reinforcement strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Trauma Analysis
Background:
- Hemimandibulectomy for aggressive pathology causes significant structural and functional loss, requiring reconstruction.
- Fibular free flaps are standard but may introduce biomechanical disparities, affecting mandibular response to trauma.
- Previous research focused on masticatory stress, leaving high-energy trauma impacts underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the biomechanical response of normal and fibula-reconstructed mandibles to external impact forces.
- To identify stress distribution and fracture-prone regions in reconstructed mandibles under impact loading.
- To evaluate the impact of high-energy trauma on fibula-reconstructed hemimandibles using finite element analysis.
Main Methods:
- Developed 3D models of normal and fibula-reconstructed mandibles from CT data.
- Applied standardized impact loads (2000 N) at the symphysis and mandibular body.
- Utilized finite element analysis (FEA) with von Mises stress (VMS) analysis to assess load responses.
Main Results:
- Normal mandibles showed symmetrical stress distribution, peaking at condyles.
- Reconstructed mandibles exhibited elevated, asymmetrical stress at condylar necks, graft-host interfaces, and fixation zones.
- Increased susceptibility to mechanical failure was observed in reconstructed mandibles, especially under lateral loading.
Conclusions:
- Fibula-reconstructed hemimandibles possess distinct biomechanical vulnerabilities under high-impact loading.
- The graft-host interface and condyles are particularly susceptible to mechanical failure.
- Reinforcement strategies and optimized fixation are needed to mitigate fracture risk in traumatic scenarios.
