Contact Analysis for Coupling of Plates and Screws in Fracture Fixation of Cortical Bone

Abstract

Internal fixation is a common treatment for bone fracture. Bone fracture occurs due to different reasons such as motor vehicle accidents, falling,…etc. The treatment is performed by fixing plate and screws to the fracture site. Lack of stability of the implants (plates and screws) may lead to delay in healing or failure of treatment. Micro-motion between the implant and the bone may cause formation of fibrous tissue around the screw which will lead to implant loosening. On the other hands, firm fixing of the conventional implants (Dynamic Compression Plates) may lead to delay resorption and delay in healing. Recently, Locked Compression Plates were introduced to get over the shortcomings of the existing Dynamic Plates. In Locked Plates the hole and screw head were threaded to provide more stability and reduce contact with the bone surface. In this communication we conducted computational analysis to compare the stability of both sets of implants. Results have revealed that Locked Plates provide more stable fixation and resistance to micro-motion. However, stress shielding might occur which will delay healing. Future designs of the Locked Plates can focus on improving stability and reducing damage to blood supply which will shorten the healing period. Computational analysis (finite element analysis) can be effectively used to guide these future designs.