This research examines temporary external fixators (TEF) with four screw plate configurations following segmental mandibulectomy.A new design for a screw plate accommodating 2 to 4 bicortical screws (2.4 mm each) is proposed.
Biomechanical reliability is assessed using finite element analysis (FEA) and Trailer Tow Mount compared with the Schanz screws.A mandibular model was created with cortical and cancellous bones segmented by threshold method.The screw plate, designed in SolidWorks, featured a 12 mm inter-hole distance, 2.
0 mm thickness, and 2.4 mm screws.Structural analysis was performed in ANSYS using literature-based mechanical properties.
A mesh convergence test with a 0.33 mm mesh size and 1,005,000 elements had a solution time of Shag Area Rug 205 seconds, with a relative error under 0.161%.
Static structural behavior of the Left Unilateral Molar Clench (LMOL) was also analyzed.The 3-screw plate showed superior biomechanical performance, with maximum von Mises stress at 293.38 MPa, von Mises strain at 23.
57 m/mm, and total deformation at 0.5915 mm.Topology optimization revealed that the 50% mass configuration is the most effective among the 40% to 60% mass range.
This configuration achieved a 2.31% decrease in Maximum von Mises stress, and a 16.99% reduction in total deformation.