5 - Biomechanical Evaluation Methods

Abstract

Biomechanical evaluation methods are carried out based on simulation of the bone-implant fracture fixation with consideration of adequate physiological boundary and loading conditions. Experimental testing and computer aided engineering (CAE) methods have been developed to evaluate the mechanical safety of the trauma plating systems. Experimental testing methods have been greatly utilized to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the bone-plate fracture fixation under various loading conditions, while CAE methods have not been considerably used for biomechanical evaluation of trauma plating fixation. In this chapter, the fundamentals, challenges, limitations, advantages, and disadvantages of experimental and CAE methods for use in biomechanical evaluation of trauma plating systems are reviewed and discussed. Utilization of biomechanical evaluation methods in conjunction with understanding of the clinical requirements for plating fixation of the bone fractures is beneficial for effective design and development of the trauma plating system which is reviewed in Section IV of the book. Therefore, this chapter is recommended as a prerequisite for Section IV. Likewise, new ideas for development of biomechanical evaluation methods are presented in Section V, thereby reading of this chapter is considered as essential prerequisite for Section V.