Finite Element Analysis of Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Mandible Fracture

The mandible or jawbone is the largest, strongest and lowest bone in the human face. It is the only movable bone of the skull. Patients who have a fracture of the mandibular bone will have the difficulty in articulation and mastication. Treatment of the mandible fracture includes immobilization with fixation. Modification and design of the fixation may affect the outcome of the reduction. The objective of this project is to design affordable, and low-cost with optimization of various designs of internal fixation on the mandibular bone. Simulation using Finite element method (FEM) simulation software was carried to know the quality of the internal fixation tools design. The Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and titanium material had been tested and simulated, the stress on the bone and plated have been recorded. Resorbable A-shape condylar plate (ACP) being was used to hold the broken pieces of the skeleton together. Dimension modification on the plate being done to reduce stress concentration on mandibular bone and the plate. By comparing simulation between both material, This project successfully reduced stress on mandibular bone up to 15.41% and stress on plate up to 52.50%. Simulation results showed that PLLA material having better characteristics as an internal fixation plate compared to titanium alloy.