Mechanical strength of fracture plates made of titanium for functionally stable mandibular reconstruction

Plates for functionally stable mandibular reconstruction are successfully introduced with biocompatible titanium. While screws have been the subject of numerous investigations, only few results are available for the mechanical stability of plates. This contribution gives an overview about experimental possibilities to test plates in tensional, bending, and torsional strength as well as fatigue, and reports results about plates made of titanium and oxygen-alloyed titanium. The alloyed material is harder, stiffer and shows higher tensile strengths. In contrast to softer titanium, contouring procedures during implantation can lead to structural defects and an associated higher fracture risk.