Comparison of stability of titanium and absorbable plate and screw fixation for mandibular angle fractures

Abstract

The purpose of this experimental study was to compare the stability of titanium and absorbable plate and screw fixation systems for mandibular angle fractures. Twenty-one sheep hemimandibles were used to evaluate 3 different plating techniques. The groups were fixated with a single titanium plate, a single absorbable plate and double absorbable plates. A cantilever bending biomechanical test model was used for the samples. Each group was tested with vertical forces by a servohydraulic testing unit. The displacement values in each group at each 10 N stage up to 100 N were compared using the 2-way analysis of variance test. The displacement values for the 3 groups differed significantly (P < .05). The variance analyses showed that titanium plate placement had more favorable biomechanical behavior than others. In addition, the 2 absorbable plates group had more favorable biomechanical behavior than a single absorbable plate group but it was not significantly different at 10 to 40 N. The study demonstrated that titanium plate and screw fixation system had greater resistance to occlusal loads than absorbable plate and screw systems. In addition, a second absorbable plate orientation provides a more favorable biomechanical behavior than a single absorbable plate placement.