Finite element analysis of different titanium plates for internal fixation of fractures of the mandibular condylar neck

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the current study is to compare the performance of four titanium miniplates (alpha, kappa, rhomboidal and trapezoidal) used for the fixation of condylar neck fractures by implementing computational finite element analysis. Methods Three-dimensional models of the plates were used to reduce a virtually created condylar neck fracture in a mandible obtained from a CT scan of a healthy adult. The developed models were analysed, making use of the finite element method under two loading scenarios: a reduced postoperative bite force of 135 N and a clenching force of 500 N were examined. The plating designs' performance was assessed based on displacements along the fracture area, bone strains, and plate stresses. Results For a loading limited to 135 N, all four plates offer an adequate fixation with a small risk of screw loosening for the rhomboidal and trapezoidal plates. For an applied force of 500 N, the alpha and kappa plates showed better results, distributing more homogeneously the strains in the bone and offering better rigidity. Conclusion These findings implicate that the alpha and kappa plates performed better when bigger loads are applied. On the other hand, the trapezoidal and rhomboidal plates are not recommended for condylar fractures, especially if bigger functional loads are expected.