Biomechanical evaluation of new fixation devices for mandibular angle fractures

This biomechanical study investigated the effectiveness of fixation devices of simulated angle fractures in sheep mandibles. The fractures were stabilized by a Leibinger 8-hole three-dimensional (3-D) plate, a Synthes eight-hole mesh plate, and a Synthes six-hole reconstruction plate with 2.0-mm and 2.4-mm mono- and bicortical screws. Each mandible was tested in bending (class III cantilever model). The bone mineral density of the mandibles was measured by computed tomography scan. The Leibinger 3-D plate showed plate deformation in bending of > 230 N. None of the plates showed failure in the bone/screw interface. The gap and displacement values for the mesh and 3-D plate were comparable to those of the reconstruction plate. These results indicate that a 3-D or mesh plate can be used for fixation of mandibular angle fractures.