Abstract
Rigid fracture fixation plates offer stability to the fractured bone, but are known to result in stress shielding of the bone. This stress shielding results in bone resorption; which in-turn results in re-fracture of the bone after the bone-plate is removed. The aim of this research was to design a stiffness graded bone-plate to reduce the stress shielding effect. Stiffness grading of bone plate model was achieved by tapering the bone-plate along its length. A 3D finite element model of human femoral diaphysis and bone-plates with traditional design and tapered design were constructed using commercial finite element software Abaqus. These models were loaded in combined compression and bending, similar to the loads during walking. Stress distribution and the location of neutral axis were obtained for (a) Bone (b) Bone with traditional bone-plate and (c) Bone with tapered bone-plate. Results showed that tapered bone-plate results in substantial reduction in stress shielding in bone when compared to traditional bone-plate. The taper was optimized for reduction in stress shielding and adequate mechanical strength. We recommend tapered bone-plate instead of traditional uniform bone-plate for fracture fixation.
Published Version
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