FINITE ELEMENT METHOD FOR EVALUATING OSTEOSYNTHESIS IN MANDIBULAR FRACTURES: A LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35220/2523-420X/2026.3.17Keywords:
fracture, mandible, osteosynthesis, finite element method, children, reviewAbstract
Fractures of the bones of the maxillofacial area in children make up 3.3-15% of all fractures of the bones of the face. Epidemiological characteristics of fractures of the lower jaw in children are specific and variable depending on manyfor many factors. Fractures of the lower jaw are the most common species, which account for about 71% of fractures of the maxillofacial area in children. Anatomical and physiological difficulties associated with age features and functional loads during chewing necessitate accurate surgical planning and selection of optimal treatment strategies for fractures of the lower jaw. Finite element analysis has become a crucial computer modeling tool for evaluating the biomechanical characteristics of osteosynthesis systems used for fractures. Objective. To systematize and summarize existing research on finite element methods applied to mandibular osteosynthesis. Materials and Methods. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases in accordance with PRISMAScR guidelines. The review included research articles, systematic reviews, and clinical studies that utilized finite element analysis to evaluate osteosynthesis for mandibular fractures. Results. The analysis revealed that the finite element method has become part of routine clinical practice. Its application provides additional information and insight into the optimal placement of fixation elements during osteosynthesis. Conclusions. While results are derived from computational models, clinical validation remains essential. Future research should focus on developing patient-specific models, validating clinical outcomes, and standardizing methodological protocols
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