Material comparisons of mandibular square type plate fixators

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to compare the plate materials for calculating stress distributions and displacements on the square type mini mandibular fixators. A model of the mandible was modeled aided with computed tomography (CT) images. The CT images were converted to the finite element model aided by reverse engineering methodology. 3 materials (Titanium Alloy, Chrome-Cobalt and Stainless Steel) for square type mini plate and fixators were designed. The finite element analyses (FEA) (In Slico) were performed with respect to displacement and stress distributions for both mandibular, and fixators its fixation screws. According to all FEA results, "Square" type fixators for linear fracture type had a minimum stress distribution. FEA is useful for comparing geometry and material variations of rigid mandibular fixations.