Influence of gap distance between bone and plate on structural stiffness and parallel interfragmental movement in far-cortical locking technique - a biomechanical study.

Influence of gap distance between bone and plate on structural stiffness and parallel interfragmental movement in far-cortical locking technique - a biomechanical study. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin. 2021 Jan 07;:1-18 Authors: Feng YJ, Lin KP, Tsai CL, Wei HW Abstract Sufficient interfragmental movement is the key to successful fracture healing in the theory of secondary bone healing. The far-cortical locking technique enables both stiffness reduction and parallel motion for ideal callus formation and fracture healing, but the influence of plate-bone gap on the performance of far-cortical locking technique remains unclear. The current study conducted a series of finite element analyses with mechanical validation to clarify this issue. Plate-bone gaps were assigned by 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm in a simulated mid-shaft fracture model fixed with locking plate and six semi-rigid locking screws. Axial compressive load to 500 N was applied to the fixation structure to evaluate the structural stiffness, pattern of interfragmental movement (parallel motion), and stresses on the screws. Results revealed the increased plate-bone gaps reduced the structural in order (315.3, 288.8, 264.9, and 243.4 N/mm). Tilting angles for determining parallel interfragmental movement (1.58°-1.85°) and stresses on semi-rigid screws for evaluating implant safety were not severely altered. Greater stresses were found on the screws adjacent to the fracture ...
Source: Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering - Category: Biomedical Engineering Authors: Tags: Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin Source Type: research