The effect of implants on the mechanics of the mandible using computer simulations and in vivo experiments

Mandible (lower jaw) fractures in Australia account for ~40% of all serious facial injuries. Treatments aimed at restoring jaw function and aesthetics by immobilizing the fracture with fixation plates is often plagued by complications, where about one-third of surgical repairs require repeat surgery or are associated with persistent pain. We propose that post-surgical complications occur due to our limited understanding of a) jaw function in healthy patients, and b) to what extent implants (plates and screws) affect strain and remodelling of the bone. This project aims to significantly improve our understanding of the biomechanics of the jaw pre-injury (healthy) and post-surgical implantation.