The comparison of angular and curvilinear marginal mandibulectomy on force distribution with three dimensional finite element analysis

Aim The purpose of this study was to analyse and compare right angled and curved osteotomy design on stress distribution and to determine an osteotomy design which decreases the risk of pathologic fracture. Patients and methods Solid mathematical model of the mandible was created by three dimensional finite element analysis and two different osteotomy, right angled and curvilinear osteotomy was performed on model. 150 N incisal force vertically and 250 N molar force to the angulus area oblically were applied. The effects of osteotomy types to the stress formation and risk of fracture between models were evaluated. Results Right angled osteotomy causes much more stress in the posteroinferior quadrant and mainly localized on the horizontal and vertical osteotomy intersection area. On the other hand, the distribution of the stress on curvilinear formed osteotomy shows posteroinferior localization and stress spreads wider area. Furthermore the amount of stress was less than right-angled one. Conclusion In this study, curved osteotomy denominated less stress distribution. The shape of osteotomy might be a factor to decrease the risk of postoperative atrophic mandible fracture.