PURPOSE The goal of this study using the biomechanical test was to evaluate the mechanical stability of the bone-plate fixation system according to changes of the fracture gap sizes and widths. MATERIALS AND METHODS For mechanical test, four types with different fracture models simulating the clinical situations were constructed depending on the gap size (FGS, mm) and the gap width (FGW, %) at the fracture site: 0 mm/0%, 1 mm/100%, 4 mm/100%, 4 mm/50%. For analyzing the effects of fracture gap on the biomechanical stability of the bone-plate fixation system, 4-point bending test was performed under all same conditions. RESULTS It was found that the fracture gap sizes of 1 and 4 mm decreased mechanical stiffness by about 50~60% or more. Furthermore, even without fracture gap size, 50% or more fracture gap width considerably decreased mechanical stiffness and suggested the possibility of plate damage through strain results. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that at least 50% contact of the fracture faces in a fracture surgery would be maintained to increase the mechanical stability of the bone-plate fixation system.
PURPOSE This study using the finite element analysis (FEA) focused on evaluating the biomechanical stability of the LC-DCP in accordance with existing of the fracture gap at the facture site after bone fracture augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS For FEM analysis, total eleven types with different fracture models considering clinical fracture cases were constructed according to the fracture gap sizes (0, 1, 4 mm)/widths (0, 25, 50, 75, 100%). Limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) fixation system was used in this FEM analysis, and three types of load were applied to the bone-plate fixation system: compressive, torsional, bending load. RESULTS The results in FEM analysis showed that the 1, 4 mm fracture gap sizes and 75% or more fracture gap widths increased considerably the peak von Mises stress (PVMS) both the plate and the screw under all loading conditions. PVMS were concentrated on the center of the LC-DCP bone-plate, and around the necks of screws. CONCLUSION Based on the our findings, we recommend at least 50% contact of the fracture faces in a fracture surgery using the compression bone-plate system. Moreover, if x-ray observation after surgery finds 100% fracture gap or 50% or more fracture gap width, supplementary measures to improve biomechanical stability must be taken, such as restriction of walking of the patient or plastering.
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Application of Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Orthopedic Splint for Bone Fracture in Small Breed Dogs Kwangsik Jang, Eun Joo Jang, Yo Han Min, Kyung Mi Shim, Chunsik Bae, Seong Soo Kang, Se Eun Kim Journal of Veterinary Clinics.2023; 40(4): 268. CrossRef
PURPOSE To analyze the biomechanical effects of different frame configurations of the hybrid external fixators for distal tibial fractures on the frame stiffness and stress distribution with a finite element method (FEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS Five configurations were simulated: Group I: two wires with convergence angle of 60degrees, Group II: 3rd wire on a bisector axis of the group I. Group III: two wires with 30degrees. Group IV: 3rd wire on a bisector axis. Group V: two wires with 30degree and a half pin on the distal articular fragment. Each group was simulated under compression, torsion, anterior-posterior and lateral-medial bending load. Stiffness, stress and deformation values were calculated. RESULTS The overall stiffness was increased by 15~30% with the addition of a third wire, and by 150~400% with a anteromedial half pin on the articular fragment. The half pin decreased the stress level of the frame by about 43% and the deformation of the 5/8 ring by about 30%. CONCLUSION The addition of a half pin on the articular fragment is not only a method of increasing the stiffness but also a way of decreasing the stress concentration and the deformation of the frame.
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to identify the biomechanical effect of periarticular half pin in the hybrid external fixator. METHODS Simulated tibial plateau fractures were created using a polyvinylchloride pipe. Seven frame configurations were tested : a four-ring Ilizarov frame, a hybrid frame with three wires on peri-articular fragment, hybrid frames with wires and half pins on peri-articular fragment by four different configurations, a hybrid frame constructed with multiple levels of fixation in the periarticular fragment. A materials testing machine was used to apply pure compression, anterior and posterior bending, medial and lateral bending, and torsion. Stiffness values were calculated from the load deformation and torque angle curves RESULTS: The overall stiffness of the hybrid frame was increased up to 30% by replacing a coronal tension wire with a half pin placed on the sagittal plane. The hybrid frame constructed with two wires and a half pin on the sagittal plane of the periarticular fragment showed overall stiffness compatible with that of multi-level peri-articular fixation frame. CONCLUSION Our results show that the half pin placed on the periarticular fragment can be a effective tool to increase the stiffness of hybrid external fixators in this periarticular tibia fracture model.
OBJECTIVES The biomechanical effects of bar to ring connection in a hybrid external fixator have not yet been clearly identified. The purpose of this study was to identify the biomechanical effects of bar to ring augmentation in the hybrid external fixator. METHODS Simulated tibial plateau fractures were created using a polyvinylchloride pipe. Groups of simulated periarticular tibia fractures were stabilized with one of six different external fixation constructs with components from one manufacturer. Six frame configurations were tested: a four-ring Ilizarov frame, a hybrid frame without bar to ring augmentation, hybrid frames with three different bar to ring augmentations, a hybrid frame constructed with multiple levels of fixation in the periarticular fragment. A material testing machine was used to apply pure compression, anterior and posterior bending, medial and lateral bending, and torsion. Stiffness values were calculated from the load deformation and torque angle curves RESULTS: The four-ring Ilizarov fixator was the stiffest in all modes of testing. Frame augmentation with three different types of bar-to-ring connection did increase stiffness in all modes of testing. No statistical difference was found between the stiffness of the frames with three different types of bar to ring augmentations. The stiffness of a hybrid frame constructed with multiple levels of fixation in the periarticular fragment was comparable to that of the fixators with bar to ring augmentation. CONCLUSION Our results show that the bar to ring augmentation increases the overall stiffness of hybrid external fixators in this periarticular tibia fracture model by 27-76%.