Publication: In silico analysis of modular bone plates
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Abstract
Background: Inventory management or immediate availability of fracture plates can be problematic since for each surgical intervention a specific plate of varying size and functionality must be ordered. Modularization of the standard monolithic plate is proposed to address this issue. Methods: The effects of four different unit module design parameters (type, degree of modularization, connector screw diameter, sandwich ratio) on the plate bending stiffness and failure are investigated in a finite element four-point-bending analysis. A chosen, best-performing modular plate is then tested in silico for a simple diaphyseal tibial fracture scenario under anatomical compressional, torsional, and bending loads . Results: A modularization strategy is proposed to match the monolithic plate bending properties as closely as possible. With the best combination of design parameters, a fully modularized equivalent length plate with a 42.3% decrease in stiffness and 46.2% decrease in strength could be assembled. The chosen modular plate also displayed sufficient mechanical performance under the fracture fixation scenarios for a potentially successful osteosynthesis. Conclusions: Via computational methods, the viability of the modularization strategy as an alternate to the traditional monolithic plate is demonstrated. As a further realized advantage, the modular plates can alleviate stress shielding thanks to the reduced stiffness.
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Elsevier
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Engineering, Biomedical engineering, Materials science, Biomedical materials
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Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
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DOI
10.1016/j.jmbbm.2021.104847