Finite element method analysis of bone stress for variants of locking plate placement

Marek Palka; Patrycja Miszczyk; Maciej Jurewicz; Rafal Perz

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26840

Finite element method analysis of bone stress for variants of locking plate placement

Heliyon. 2024 Feb 24;10(8):e26840. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26840. eCollection 2024 Apr 30.

Authors

Marek Palka¹, Patrycja Miszczyk², Maciej Jurewicz³, Rafal Perz¹

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Aeronautics and Applied Mechanics, Warsaw University of Technology, Nowowiejska 24, 00-660, Warsaw, Poland.
² Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland.
³ Faculty of Applied Informatics and Mathematics, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776, Warsaw, Poland.

Abstract

This study investigates the optimal placement of locking plate screws for bone fracture stabilization in the humerus, a crucial factor for enhancing healing outcomes and patient comfort. Utilizing Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling, the research aimed to determine the most effective screw configuration for achieving optimal stress distribution in the humerus bone. A computer tomography (CT) scan of the humerus was performed, and the resulting images were used to create a detailed model in SOLIDWORKS 2012. This model was then analyzed using ANSYS Workbench V13 to develop a finite element model of the bone. Four different screw configurations were examined: 4 × 0°, 4 × 10°, 4 × 20°, 2 × 20°; 2 × 0°. These configurations were subjected to bending in the XZ and YZ planes, as well as tension and compression along the Z axis. The research identified the 2 × 20°+2 × 0° configuration as the most beneficial, with average stress values below 30 MPa and peak stress values below 50 MPa in 3-point bending at the first screw. This configuration consistently showed the lowest stress values across all loading scenarios. Specifically, stress levels ranged from 20 MPa to 50 MPa for bending in the XZ plane, 20 MPa-35 MPa for bending in the YZ plane, 20 MPa-30 MPa for extension in the Z-axis, and 18 MPa-25 MPa for compression in the Z-axis. The 4 × 10° and 4 × 20° configurations also produced satisfactory results, with stress levels not exceeding 70 MPa. However, the 4 × 0° configuration presented considerable stress during bending and compression in the Z-axis, with stress values exceeding 100 MPa, potentially leading to mechanical damage. In conclusion, the 2 × 20°; 2 × 0° screw configuration was identified as the most effective in minimizing stress on the treated bone. Future work will involve a more detailed analysis of this methodology and its potential integration into clinical practice, with a focus on enhancing patient outcomes in bone fracture treatment.

Keywords: Finite element method; Locking plate; Long bone fracture; Stabilization.