MECHANICAL STRENGTH OF FRACTURE PLATES MADE OF TITANIUM FOR FUNCTIONALLY STABLE MANDIBULAR RECONSTRUCTION

Plates for functionally stable mandibular reconstruction are successfu lly introduced with biocompatible titanium. While screws have been the subject of numerous investigations, only few results are available fo r the mechanical stability of plates. This contribution gives an overv iew about experimental possibilities to test elates in tensional, bend ing, and torsional strength as well as fatigue, and reports results ab out plates made of titanium and oxygen-alloyed titanium. The alloyed m aterial is harder, stiffer and shows higher tensile strengths. In cont rast to softer titanium, contouring procedures during implantation can lead to structural defects and an associated higher fracture risk.