J Korean Fract Soc.  2024 Apr;37(2):71-81. 10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.2.71.

Biomechanical Investigation to Establish Stable Fixation Strategies for Distal Tibial Fractures in Various Situations: Finite Element Analysis Studies

• Yang SH
• Lee JY
• Jung GH
• Kim HT
• Ko BW

• KMID: 2555580
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.2.71

Abstract

Purpose
This study examined the structural and mechanical stability as well as the clinical significance of various fixation constructs for distal tibial fractures using finite element analysis.
Materials and Methods
Fracture models with 20 mm and 120 mm defects were produced, and implants of an intramedullary nail and anatomical plate model were applied. An axial load of 800 N with 60% distribution in the medial compartment and 40% in the lateral compartment was applied and analyzed using Ansys ^® software.
Results
In the intramedullary nail model, the maximum von Mises stress occurred at the primary lag screw hole and adjacent medial cortex, while in the plate model, it occurred at the locking holes around the fracture. The maximum shear stress on the bone and metal implant in the fracture model with a 20 mm defect was highest in the plate assembly model, and in the fracture model with a 120 mm defect, it was highest in the two-lag screw assembly model.
Conclusion
Based on an analysis of the maximum shear stress distribution, securing the fixation strength of the primary lag screw hole is crucial, and the assembly model of the intramedullary nail with two lag screws and a blocking screw applied was the model that best withstood the optimal load. Securing the locking hole directly above the fracture is believed to provide the maximum fixation strength because the maximum pressure in the plate model is concentrated in the proximal locking hole and the surrounding cortex.

Keyword

Distal tibia; Fracture; Finite element analysis