Mechanical response of a human femoral diaphyseal stabilized fracture using implant plate

Abstract

The stabilization of a human femoral diaphyseal comminuted fracture using a fixation plate and screw system is analysed. A diaphyseal comminuted fracture represents a disruption in the medial femur with more than two bony fragments and bone loss. As a result of this, the osteosynthesis implant is subjected to a very high stress that could lead to its fracture, also the patient standing stability is affected due to higher slenderness of the lower limb. A procedure is proposed to simulate the surgery operation and the mechanical response of an in-vivo stabilized fracture. Stresses and displacements that occurred in the plate, fixation screws and bony fragments produced by the forces applied to the femoral head by the hip and to the diaphyseal cortex by tendons and muscles insertions during patient restoration are determined. Different fracture locations, cortical screws and fixation plates were analysed using the Finite Element Method which is configured to take into account heterogeneity and anisotropy of cortical and medullary bone. Recommendations about optimal implant design for the patient standing up stability and load bearing are concluded.