Biomechanical evaluation of different fixation techniques in the rotation of the maxillary occlusal plane after Le Fort I osteotomy.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>To analyze the biomechanical and functional characteristics of different maxillary fixation techniques after Le Fort I osteotomy and occlusal plane rotation, using the finite element method to simulate the mechanical behavior of three different osteosynthesis approaches.<h4>Material and methods</h4>This is a virtual experimental study carried out using finite element analysis to compare three different osteosynthesis techniques after Le Fort I osteotomy and rotation of the maxillary occlusal plane. Three configurations were tested: four-point fixation with "L" plates (C1), two-point fixation with "L" plates (C2), and two-point fixation with pre-modeled Lindorf plates (C3).<h4>Results</h4>The analysis indicated that set C1 showed maximum displacement in the anterior region, while C2 and C3 showed displacement in the posterior region. The von Mises stresses revealed that C1 exceeded the yield limit of titanium, indicating potential failure. On the other hand, C2 and C3 showed a more balanced distribution of stresses within acceptable limits.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The fixation techniques with fewer points (C2 and C3) proved to be as effective, or even superior, to the traditional four-point fixation method (C1), offering better stress distribution and lower mechanical stress. <b>Key words:</b>Le Fort osteotomy, Internal fixation, Finite elements, Biomechanics.