[Structural and biomechanical based differences of osteosynthesis in mandibular or mid-face fractures. Why does the AO still use stiff plates?].

The mandible and the midface differ considerably in their anatomic structure, and therefore require different techniques for fracture stabilisation. Midface-fractures are stabilised by mini-plates, which are arranged in a three dimensional fashion. Fractures of the mandible require stronger plates because the osteosynthesis is done in only one plane.