Biomechanical comparison of osteosynthesis with poly‑L‑lactic acid and titanium screw in intracapsular condylar fracture fixation: An experimental study

Abstract

Background and Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability of poly‑L‑lactic acid and titanium screws in the fixation of intracapsular condylar fractures, in 10 polyurethane hemimandibles.
Materials and Methods: Artificial intracapsular fractures were created with a steel disk and electronic micromotor. The first group was fixed with 15 mm long self‑tapping 2.0 mm system titanium screws and the second group was fixed with 15 mm long 2.4 mm bioresorbable screws. Linear loads of 25, 50, 75, 100 N was applied in anteroposterior direction to the hemimandibles and the data were transmitted directly from the load cell to a computer that shows emergent results of material characteristics under same forces as a graphic containing force and displacement.
Results: The results show that there were no significant differences between the two methods, with 25 N of loading. (P > 0,05) The difference became significant with a higher value of loading.
Conclusion: The results suggest that treatment with a single resorbable screw is not functionally stable as a single titanium screw.

Key words: Intracapsular condylar fractures, osteosynthesis, screw fixation