Comparative evaluation of the sliding plate technique for fixation of a sagittal split ramus osteotomy: finite element analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the stress distribution of the sliding plate (SP) and conventional miniplate (CM) fixation techniques of a sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) using 3-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis.


METHODS
Four 3-D finite element models according to the number and shape of screw holes in the plate were simulated, and the von Mises stress was analyzed: SP with 2 round and 2 oval holes (SP-2 R2 O), SP with 2 round and 1 oval holes (SP-2 R1 O), CM with 4 round holes (CM-4 R), and CM with 3 round holes (CM-3 R).


RESULTS
The fixation technique with CM-4 R showed a better stress distribution than CM-3 R, which in turn showed better results compared to the 2 different SPs. SP-2 R2 O showed the worst stress distribution in the bone and fixation components.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the SP-2 R2 O technique increases the stress distribution of the plate and screws, which may reduce the stability of fixation after SSRO.
Division of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Brent E
BE
Larson
Department of Orthodontics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: Nklee@snubh.org.
Nam-Ki
NK
Lee
Department of Orthodontics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
Moon-Jung
MJ
Jang
Department of Prosthodontics, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
Deuk-Won
DW
Jo
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
Pil-Young
PY
Yun
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
Young-Kyun
YK
Kim
D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D059229:Osteotomy, Sagittal Split Ramus / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed