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The fixation stability achieved with the use of miniplates and screws in oral and maxillofacial surgery is a decisive factor in treatment success. The mechanical and structural properties of the internal fixation materials have direct influence on the dimensional stability and resistance of a fixation system, thus influencing treatment outcomes.
This study proposed to analyze the dimensional and resistance patterns of titanium plates used for obtaining stable fixation in orthognathic surgery and craniofacial trauma.
For this study 30 conventional 2.0-mm straight 4-hole miniplates with bridge from the brands Engimplan (Rio Claro-SP, Brazil), Neoortho (Curitiba-PR, Brazil) and Synthes (Rio Claro-SP, Brazil), were subjected to macroscopic, microscopic, strength and hardness analysis. The dimensional measurements were performed using a digital caliper. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy to analyze the chemical composition of the samples. The mechanical resistance tests were performed with an universal testing machine EMIC® model LD 500 by three-point bending flexural test. The analysis was performed according to ASTM F 382-99 (2008) which specifies test methods for bone plates. The samples were then submitted to Vickers hardness analysis, complying with the standards of ASTM E92.
The data collected from the dimensional study was submitted to statistical analysis of the coefficient of variation, while the values obtained during the mechanical tests were analyzed by variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p <0.05).
The sample groups presented different performances in resistance, hardness, size and surface, even though they were reported to be chemically similar compounds according to the manufacturer. It is believed that such differences are due to the possible different treatments to which the material was submitted during the manufacturing process. The miniplates from the brand Synthes showed higher resistance and hardness, however, as they were rectified between tests the plates unintentionally fractured in the bridge region. The miniplates from the brand Neoortho had the lowest resistance during mechanical tests but maintained its rigidity when subjected to manipulation, as did the brand Engimplan.
This study proposed to analyze the dimensional and resistance patterns of titanium plates used for obtaining stable fixation in orthognathic surgery and craniofacial trauma.
For this study 30 conventional 2.0-mm straight 4-hole miniplates with bridge from the brands Engimplan (Rio Claro-SP, Brazil), Neoortho (Curitiba-PR, Brazil) and Synthes (Rio Claro-SP, Brazil), were subjected to macroscopic, microscopic, strength and hardness analysis. The dimensional measurements were performed using a digital caliper. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy to analyze the chemical composition of the samples. The mechanical resistance tests were performed with an universal testing machine EMIC® model LD 500 by three-point bending flexural test. The analysis was performed according to ASTM F 382-99 (2008) which specifies test methods for bone plates. The samples were then submitted to Vickers hardness analysis, complying with the standards of ASTM E92.
The data collected from the dimensional study was submitted to statistical analysis of the coefficient of variation, while the values obtained during the mechanical tests were analyzed by variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test (p <0.05).
The sample groups presented different performances in resistance, hardness, size and surface, even though they were reported to be chemically similar compounds according to the manufacturer. It is believed that such differences are due to the possible different treatments to which the material was submitted during the manufacturing process. The miniplates from the brand Synthes showed higher resistance and hardness, however, as they were rectified between tests the plates unintentionally fractured in the bridge region. The miniplates from the brand Neoortho had the lowest resistance during mechanical tests but maintained its rigidity when subjected to manipulation, as did the brand Engimplan.
Langford RJ, Frame JW. Surface analysis of titanium maxillofacial plates and screws retrieved from patients. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2002;31:511–518.
Ellis III E, Graham J. Use of a 2.0-mm Locking Plate/Screw System for mandibular fracture surgery. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2002; 60:642-645.