An approach for simultaneous reduction and fixation of mandibular fractures

This article presents a new approach for the design of a flexible V-shaped miniplate for mandibular fractures, which combines simultaneous fracture reduction and fixation. A Computerized Tomography (CT) based finite element model was developed to assess the reliability of this design. Muscle and mastication forces were included to replicate post-surgery loading. The V-plate is compared with a standard, linear miniplate, typically used for mandibular fixation. The results indicate that the proposed design can support the fracture while inducing limited fracture displacement, in addition to reducing the duration of the surgery due to fracture reduction by tightening the wire.