Behavior of mandibular fractures under earth and microgravity conditions: a finite element analysis.

Abstract

Maxillofacial fractures, especially those of the mandible, pose a significant risk in microgravity environments because astronauts experience progressive bone loss during long-duration flights because of skeletal unloading. In this study, we explored the biomechanical response of the mandibular angle to high-impact trauma caused by gravity and microgravity. A human mandibular model was subjected to a force of 2000 N at an angle of 45°, which was directed posterosuperiorly at the right-angle region with simulations comparing healthy and osteoporotic bone (bone loses its density in long flights due to skeletal unloading). The results revealed that although stresses remained the same across all conditions, microgravity caused nearly double the strain and deformation, indicating a high risk of fracture. These findings emphasize the need for biomechanical evaluation and protective strategies in space medicine.