Finite Element Analysis of Osteosynthesis Miniplate for the Reconstruction of Parasymphyseal Compound Fracture

In the last two decades, the use of osteosynthesis miniplate has been growing to aid the healing process and reconstruction of fractured mandibular bone. In principle, the plate is used to provide stable fixation of the fractured bone tissue during the healing process and reconstruction. Based on earlier studies, it is noted that arrangements and geometry of the osteosynthesis miniplate played a critical role in determining the stability of the fractured mandibular bone, as well as the miniplate. In this research, a simulation with finite element method (FEM) was carried out to investigate the influence of the number of holes in an osteosynthesis miniplate on the stability of fractured mandibular bone and the corresponding miniplate after the implantation. For this purpose, a set of osteosynthesis miniplate with three different configurations was taken for simulation using a three-dimensional (3D) model of mandibular bone generated from the patient through computed tomography (CT). The result of the simulation showed that all the miniplates with three configurations tested were stable enough to prevent movement of fractured mandibular bone. Moreover, fixation with a pair of miniplates having four screw holes demonstrated the desired result; as indicated by the lowest value of displacement, pressure on the bone surface and pressure on the miniplate.