Abstract
This paper describes comparative analysis of the biomechanical performances conducted on the external fixation devices whose frames are made out of two different material (stainless steel and composite material). Biomechanical properties were determined with experimental and FEM (finite element method) models which are used to study the movement of the fracture crack, establish stiffness of the design solutions and monitor generated stresses on the zones of interest. Geometric modeling of two fixation devices configurations B50 and C50 is used as a basis for structural analysis under the impact of axial load. Structural analysis results are confirmed with an experimental setup. Analyzed deflection values in the load and fracture zones are used to define the exact values of the stiffness for the construction design and fracture, respectively. The carbon frame device configuration has 28% lower construction stiffness than the one with the steel frame (for B50 configuration), i.e., 9% (for C50 configuration). In addition, fracture stiffness values for the composite frame application are approximately 23% lower (B50 configuration), i.e., 13% lower (C50 configuration), compared to steel frame. The carbon frame device has about 33% lower stresses at the critical zones compared to the steel frame at the control zone MM+ and, similarly, 35% lower stresses at the control zone MM-. With an exhausting analysis of the biomechanical properties of the fixation devices, it can be concluded that steel frame fixation device is superior, meaning it has better biomechanical characteristics compared to carbon frame fixation device, regarding obtained data for stresses and stiffnesses of the frame construction and fracture. Considering stresses at the critical zones of the fixation device construction, the carbon frame device has better biomechanical performances compared to steel frame devices.
Highlights
This paper describes the biomechanical research of the Sarafix external fixation device with frames built from two different materials for two device configurations (B50 and C50)
Analysis of the stress results on the critical zones of the construction leads to a following statement: the carbon frame device has about 33% lower stresses at the critical zones compared to the steel frame at the control zone MM+ and, 35% lower stresses at the control zone MM−
With an exhausting analysis of the biomechanical properties of the fixation devices, it can be concluded that steel frame fixation device is superior, meaning it has better biomechanical characteristics compared to a carbon frame fixation device, regarding obtained data for stresses and stiffnesses of the frame construction and fracture
Summary
External fixation system is a medical tool used to immobilize fracture or heavy damage of the bone structure. External fixation is applied via pins that connect the bone with the frame (truss) of the device construction. Development of the external fixation system started with an elementary fixation system developed in 1840 by J.F. Malgaigne. The original device contained metal pins fastened to a metal strip [1]. Selection and installation of these devices is based on empirical foundations and accumulated practical experiences in clinical orthopedics and traumatology
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