Comparative Evaluation of 3D-printed (PEEK) Plates Versus Titanium 3D Plate for Fracture Fixation at the Mandibular Angle

Open Reduction Internal fixation (ORIF) of mandibular angle fractures using titanium plating systems had several drawbacks including sepsis with subsequent wound dehiscence and the need for 2nd surgery which is attributed to bone loss as a result of the elevated modulus of elasticity of titanium hardware. Accordingly, attempts were made to overcome problems encountered with the titanium plating system. In this study, custom made PEEK 3D plates will be used in ORIF of mandibular angle fractures. The main beneficial property of PEEK material is its lower modulus of elasticity that is close to that of living bone with subsequent elimination of the problem of stress shielding phenomenon encountered with titanium plating system. PEEK material has other advantages including biocompatibility, mechanical strength, durability, resistance to high degree of temperature without dimensional alteration.