Evaluation of a new approach for modelling the screw-bone interface in a locking plate fixation: a corroboration study.
Title | Evaluation of a new approach for modelling the screw-bone interface in a locking plate fixation: a corroboration study. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2013 |
Authors | Moazen, M., Mak J. H., Jones A. C., Jin Z., Wilcox R. K., & Tsiridis E. |
Journal | Proc Inst Mech Eng H |
Volume | 227 |
Issue | 7 |
Pagination | 746-56 |
Date Published | 2013 Jul |
ISSN | 2041-3033 |
Keywords | Biomechanical Phenomena, Bone Plates, Bone Screws, Computer Simulation, Computer-Aided Design, Femur, Finite Element Analysis, Humans, Models, Biological, Stress, Mechanical |
Abstract | Computational modelling of the screw-bone interface in fracture fixation constructs is challenging. While incorporating screw threads would be a more realistic representation of the physics, this approach can be computationally expensive. Several studies have instead suppressed the threads and modelled the screw shaft with fixed conditions assumed at the screw-bone interface. This study assessed the sensitivity of the computational results to modelling approaches at the screw-bone interface. A new approach for modelling this interface was proposed, and it was tested on two locking screw designs in a diaphyseal bridge plating configuration. Computational models of locked plating and far cortical locking constructs were generated and compared to in vitro models described in prior literature to corroborate the outcomes. The new approach led to closer agreement between the computational and the experimental stiffness data, while the fixed approach led to overestimation of the stiffness predictions. Using the new approach, the pattern of load distribution and the magnitude of the axial forces, experienced by each screw, were compared between the locked plating and far cortical locking constructs. The computational models suggested that under more severe loading conditions, far cortical locking screws might be under higher risk of screw pull-out than the locking screws. The proposed approach for modelling the screw-bone interface can be applied to any fixation involved application of screws. |
DOI | 10.1177/0954411913483259 |
Alternate Journal | Proc Inst Mech Eng H |
PubMed ID | 23636756 |
Grant List | 088908/Z/09/Z / / Wellcome Trust / United Kingdom |