TITLE:
Comparative Dimensional and Microscopic Analysis of the Strength and Hardness of Internal Fixation Plates
AUTHORS:
Victor Tieghi Neto, Eduardo Stedile Fiamoncini, Matheus Falsarelli Ferreira, Danilo Luiz Flumignan, Luis Geraldo Vaz, Eduardo Sanches Gonçales
KEYWORDS:
Fracture Fixation Internal, Biocompatible Materials, Compressive Strength
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Stomatology,
Vol.10 No.10,
October
30,
2020
ABSTRACT: The fixation stability achieved with the use of plates 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, 30conventional 2.0 mm straight four hole plates with bridge from three brandscommercialized in Brazil, were subjected to macroscopic, microscopic, strength and hardness analysis. The dimensional measurements were performed usinga digital caliper. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis was performed by scanning electron microscopy to analyze the chemical composition of thesamples. The mechanical resistance tests were performed with a universaltesting machine. 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 that allowed us toconclude the plates from Group 2 were more resistant than groups 1 and 3.