Comparison of stability of titanium and absorbable plate and screw fixation for mandibular angle fractures.

Objective: The purpose of this experimental study was to compare the stability of titanium and absorbable plate and screw fixation systems for mandibular angle fractures.

Study Design: Twenty-one sheep hemimandibles were used to evaluate 3 different plating techniques. The groups were fixated with a single titanium plate, a single absorbable plate and double absorbable plates. A cantilever bending biomechanical test model was used for the samples. Each group was tested with vertical forces by a servohydraulic testing unit. The displacement values in each group at each 10 N stage up to 100 N were compared using the 2-way analysis of variance test.

Results: The displacement values for the 3 groups differed significantly (P < .05). The variance analyses showed that titanium plate placement had more favorable biomechanical behavior than others. In addition, the 2 absorbable plates group had more favorable biomechanical behavior than a single absorbable plate group but it was not significantly different at 10 to 40 N.

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that titanium plate and screw fixation system had greater resistance to occlusal loads than absorbable plate and screw systems. In addition, a second absorbable plate orientation provides a more favorable biomechanical behavior than a single absorbable plate placement.