Comparative finite element analysis of different titanium Miniplates with Microplates in the fixation of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures are one of the most common fractures of the facial area, which can be associated with functional and aesthetic disorders. The standard method of treatment in cases with significant displacement and complications is open reduction and internal fixation using titanium plates. Aim: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical parameters between different microplates and miniplates using nonlinear finite element analysis in fixing zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. Materials and methods: In this study, surface and 3D solid modeling of zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures and plates were performed on two samples. Then, in sample 1, the fractures were stabilized with microplates and in sample 2 with miniplates plus microplates. Next, the fixed models were transferred to the finite element software, and after appropriate meshing, the finite element question was defined. Finally, the desired parameters such as deformation, displacement and distribution of different stresses in the components of the samples were obtained. Results: The amount of deformation of the total plates in both samples, the L-shaped plate in both samples, the near-the-eye plate in samples 1 and 2, and the eye-floor plate in samples 1 and 2 are 6.7, 6.7, 4.4, 4.8, 5.8 and 5.6 micrometers, respectively. The Von-Mises stress of the total plates in samples 1 and 2, the near-the-eye plate in samples 1 and 2, the L-shaped plate in samples 1 and 2, and the eye-floor plate in samples 1 and 2 are 41.1, 23.9, 41.1, 24.3, 7.6, 9.6, 28.5 and 11.8 MPa respectively. The maximum principal stress of the total plates in samples 1 and 2, the near-the-eye plate in samples 1 and 2, the L-shaped plate in samples 1 and 2, and the eye-floor plate in samples 1 and 2 are 46.2, 22.3, 46.2, 26.4, 3.6, 4.2, 30.9, and 14.1 MPa, respectively. Conclusions: The L-shaped plate and the near-the-eye plate in both samples had the highest and the lowest amount of deformation, respectively. The near-the-eye in both samples had the highest Von-Mises stress and maximum principal stress, which was higher in sample 1 (microplates) than sample 2 (mini-microplates). The L-shaped plate had the lowest Von-Mises stress and the maximum principal stress in both samples.