Finite Element Analysis of Ultra-Short, Extra-Short, and Conventional Dental Implants in Fibula Free Flap Mandibular Reconstruction
TL;DR
Within the limitations of this study and under the simulated immediate postoperative loading condition, shorter implants, particularly 5 mm implants, showed a favorable biomechanical response.
Abstract
Dental rehabilitation of fibula free flap mandibular reconstructions can be limited by the reduced vertical bone height available for implant placement. This study evaluated the biomechanical influence of ultra-short, extra-short, and conventional implants in a reconstructed fibula. Methods: A patient-specific finite element model of a fibula-reconstructed mandible was developed. Three splinted implants with a diameter of 4 mm and lengths of 3, 5, or 12 mm were compared under postoperative unilateral molar loading. Von Mises stresses were evaluated in the implants, fibula, residual mandible, and fixation plates, while equivalent elastic strain was assessed in peri-implant bone. Results: Implant length had minimal influence on implant stress (36.8–37.1 MPa) and fibular cortical bone stress (52.5–53.1 MPa). The 5 mm implants produced the lowest peri-implant strains and the lowest posterior reconstruction-plate stress (71.3 MPa), compared with 75.4 MPa for 3 mm and 107.8 MPa for 12 mm implants. The 12 mm implants generated greater apical strain concentrations, exceeding the adopted mechanobiological threshold around the central and mesial implants. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study and under the simulated immediate postoperative loading condition, shorter implants, particularly 5 mm implants, showed a favorable biomechanical response.