Biomechanical Comparison of Titanium and Stainless Steel Miniplates / Screws for Sagittal Split Osteotomy- An in Vitro Study

Background: Studies on titanium and stainless-steel miniplates in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery have been published, but none have compared their biomechanical properties for sagittal split osteotomy fixation. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the biochemical efficacy of titanium mini-plates and to examine the effectiveness of titanium mini-plates in comparison with stainless steel plates in the management of sagittal split osteotomy fixation. Methods: The study involved 10 dry cadaveric hemimandibles, grouped into two groups: Group-SS (stainless) and Group-TT (titanium). Each mandible underwent sagittal split osteotomy and was treated with stainless steel and titanium miniplates. Biochemical testing was performed using the Instron Corporation Series IX automated system. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: The two-tailed probability-test showed a significant difference in parameters like "load at break", "displacement at maximum load", and "compressive strength" between 10 hemi-mandible specimens compared to stainless steel. The study revealed that stainless steel miniplates had higher maximum load values and displacement compared to titanium miniplates, with varying compressive strength and displacement. The mean maximum load was 501.20N ± 106.01 and displacement was 13.98 mm ± 3.83 mm. Conclusions: Stainless-steel miniplates were found to be ideal for the management of sagittal split osteotomy. Stainless steel miniplates provided satisfactory osteosynthesis and were cost effective compared to titanium plates. Titanium plates are more malleable and can be easily adapted to the varying contours of the facial skeleton which clinically translates into the reduced time required for plating.