title: Biomechanical evaluation of new fixation devices for mandibular angle fractures.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Wittenberg
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Mukherjee
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Kruse
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D015519:Bone Density; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008422:Materials Testing; D018583:Pliability; D012756:Sheep; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed