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A biomechanical comparison between original and used titanium miniplates
N Tuncer1, A S Demiralp, O Güven
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental School of Ankara University, Turkey.
Summary
Titanium miniplates used in dog jaw fractures showed no surface changes after implantation. However, some mechanical property differences were observed at three and six months post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthodontics
Background:
- Mandibular fractures are common in dogs.
- Titanium miniplates are frequently used for surgical repair.
- Understanding the long-term behavior of these implants is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the surface and mechanical characteristics of titanium miniplates after in vivo implantation in a canine mandibular fracture model.
- To compare plates explanted at different time points (3 and 6 months) with control groups.
Main Methods:
- Experimental mandibular symphysis fractures were created in four dogs.
- Titanium miniplates and screws were applied and removed at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.
- Surface microstructure and mechanical properties of explanted plates were analyzed and compared to unused and bent-only controls.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in the surface microstructure of titanium miniplates across all groups (control, bent, 3-month, and 6-month explants).
- Some variations in the mechanical characteristics of the miniplates were detected between the groups, particularly between explanted and control samples.
Conclusions:
- Titanium miniplates maintain their surface integrity following implantation for mandibular fracture repair in dogs up to six months.
- The mechanical properties of the plates may be altered by in vivo conditions, warranting further investigation.