Comparative biomechanical evaluation of mono-cortical osteosynthesis systems for condylar fractures using photoelastic stress analysis

Fractures of the condyle account for 20–30% of all mandibular fractures, and are therefore one of the most common facial injuries. Precise evaluation of the mechanical stresses that develop in a fractured mandible is essential, particularly for the testing of systems currently used for stabilisation of the condylar fragment. Photoelastic stress analysis can be used to visualise alterations in the strain that is induced in the mandible by a fracture, and in the osteosynthesis materials used to stabilise it. This method, used on currently used osteosynthesis materials, showed that stabilisation of a subcondylar fracture with a single miniplate does not provide enough stability, whereas the use of two miniplates – properly positioned – offers sufficient stability in all loading conditions. A microplate may be used as a tension-resisting plate with equally good results.