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.