Evaluation of stiffness-matched, 3D-printed, NiTi mandibular graft fixation in an ovine model.

Background: Manually bent, standard-of-care, Ti-6Al-4V, mandibular graft fixation devices are associated with a significant post-operative failure rate. These failures require the patient to endure stressful and expensive re-operation. The approach recommended in this report demonstrates the optimization of graft fixation device mechanical properties via "stiffness-matching" by varying the fixation device's location, shape, and material composition through simulation of the device's post-operative performance.