One size may not fit all: patient-specific computational optimization of locking plates for improved proximal humerus fracture fixation

Optimal treatment options for proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are still debated due to remaining high fixation failure rates experienced with locking plates. Optimization of the implants and development of patient-specific designs may help improve the primary fixation stability of PHF and reduce the rate of mechanical failures. Optimizing the screw orientations in locking plates has shown promising results; however, the potential benefit of subject-specific designs has not been explored yet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate by means of finite element (FE) analyses whether subject-specific optimization of the screw orientations in a fixed-angle locking plate can reduce the predicted cut-out failure risk in unstable three-part fractures.

Source: Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery - July 19, 2021 Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Jana Felicitas Schader, Dominic Mischler, Jan Dauwe, R. Geoff Richards, Boyko Gueorguiev, Peter Varga Tags: Original Article Source Type: research