Effect of mandibular fracture bone plate repair on mechanics of the mandible during chewing

This study uses a previously validated computer simulation (finite element model - FEM) of a healthy rhesus macaque to test the effect of fracture repair implants (plates and screws) on bending and deformation (stress/strain) in the mandible (lower jaw) during chewing. The results of our FEM provide important preliminary data for future in vivo studies that will aid in the design of mandibular implants optimized for bone healing while minimizing post-operative complications.