Behaviour of Mandibular Fractures under Earth and Microgravity conditions: A Finite Element Analysis

Maxillofacial fractures especially that of the mandible pose a significant risk under microgravity environments because astronauts experience progressive bone loss during long duration flights because of skeletal unloading. In this study we explore the biomechanical response of mandibular angle under high impact trauma under Earth’s gravity and microgravity. A human mandibular model was subjected to a force of 2000N force at 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 high risk of fracture. These findings emphasise the need for biomechanical evaluation and protective strategies in space medicine.