Mechanical strength and stiffness of biodegradable and titanium osteofixation systems.

Purpose: To present relevant mechanical data to simplify the selection of an osteofixation system for situations requiring immobilization in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Materials And Methods: Seven biodegradable and 2 titanium osteofixation systems were investigated. The plates and screws were fixed to 2 polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) blocks to simulate bone segments.

Torsion strength of biodegradable and titanium screws: a comparison.

Purpose: To determine 1) the differences in maximum torque between 7 biodegradable and 2 titanium screw systems, and 2) the differences of maximum torque between "hand tight" and break of the biodegradable and the titanium osteofixation screw systems.

Materials And Methods: Four oral and maxillofacial surgeons inserted 8 specimens of all 9 screw systems in polymethylmethacrylate plates. The surgeons were instructed to insert the screws as they would do in the clinic (hand tight).