Finite element analysis of an intramedulary anatomical strut for proximal humeral fractures with disrupted medial column instability: A cohort study

Proximal humeral fractures are common and most challenging, due to the complexity of the glenohumeral joint, especially in the geriatric population with impacted fractures, that the development of implants continues because currently the problems with their fixation are not solved. Pre-, intra-, and postoperative assessments are crucial in management of those patients. Finite element analysis, as one of the valuable tools, has been implemented as an effective and noninvasive method to analyze proximal humeral fractures, providing solid evidence for management of troublesome patients. However, no review article about the applications and effects of finite element analysis in assessing proximal humeral fractures has been reported yet. This review article summarized the applications, contribution, and clinical significance of finite element analysis in assessing proximal humeral fractures. Furthermore, the limitations of finite element analysis, the difficulties of more realistic simulation, and the validation and also the creation of validated FE models were discussed. We concluded that although some advancements in proximal humeral fractures researches have been made by using finite element analysis, utility of this powerful tool for routine clinical management and adequate simulation requires more state-of-the-art studies to provide evidence and bases.

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Application of a Lateral Intertubercular Sulcus Plate in the Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures: a Finite Element Analysis and Example in Clinical Practice

10.21203/rs.3.rs-391928/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dong Li ◽

WenXue Lv ◽

WenMing Chen ◽

Jing Meng ◽

Song Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Finite Element Analysis ◽

Finite Element ◽

Locking Plate ◽

Proximal Humeral Fractures ◽

Humeral Fractures ◽

Element Analysis ◽

Computed Tomography Images ◽

Medial Support ◽

Philos Plate ◽

Intertubercular Sulcus

Abstract Background: Inversion deformities caused by insufficient medial support are especially common when the PHILOS locking plate is used to treat proximal humeral fractures. Using finite element analysis, the present study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties of a PHILOS locking plate (PLP) and a PHILOS plate combined with a lateral intertubercular sulcus plate (PLP-LSP) in the fixation of proximal humeral fractures with loss of the medial column. We also present representative results for a 69-year-old female patient with a comminuted fracture of the proximal right humerus (Neer type four-part fracture) who underwent successful surgical treatment with a PHILOS plate combined with an auxiliary lateral intertubercular sulcus plate. Methods: After creating a three-dimensional finite element model of proximal humeral fracture with loss of the medial column, three implant models were established. A full-screw PHILOS plate (PLP) was used in Group A, while a PHILOS plate lacking medial screw support and an auxiliary plate were used in Group B (MPLP-LSP). A full-screw PHILOS plate and auxiliary plate were used in Group C (PLP-LSP). The three fixation models were applied to the proximal humerus fracture model, following which horizontal, compressive, and rotational loads were applied to the humerus model. We evaluated the structural stiffness and stress distribution of the implant and compared displacement and angle changes among the three models. Results: Displacement and angle changes were smallest in Group C (PLP-LSP). The implant model used in Group C also had the highest structural rigidity, endured less von Misses stress than the other two models , and had the strongest stability. In our clinical case, X-ray and computed tomography images obtained 3 months after the operation indicated that the fracture had healed, with good positioning of internal fixation and good functional recovery.Conclusion: A lateral intertubercular sulcus plate placed at the internodal grove not only aids in anatomical reduction but also provides effective lateral and medial support, thereby reducing stress on the PHILOS plate and providing better stability in patients with proximal humeral fractures.

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Finite element analysis of the effect of sagittal angle on ankle joint stability in posterior malleolus fracture: A cohort study

International Journal of Surgery ◽

10.1016/j.ijsu.2019.08.022 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 70 ◽

pp. 53-59 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ming Guan ◽

Jing Zhao ◽

Yong Kuang ◽

Guang Li ◽

Jun Tan

Keyword(s):

Finite Element Analysis ◽

Finite Element ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Ankle Joint ◽

Joint Stability ◽

Element Analysis ◽

Posterior Malleolus

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Application of a lateral intertubercular sulcus plate in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures: A finite element analysis and example in clinical practice

10.21203/rs.3.rs-391928/v2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Dong Li ◽

WenXue Lv ◽

WenMing Chen ◽

Jing Meng ◽

Song Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Finite Element ◽

Locking Plate ◽

Humeral Fracture ◽

Proximal Humeral Fractures ◽

Humeral Fractures ◽

Element Analysis ◽

Group A ◽

Philos Plate ◽

Group B ◽

Intertubercular Sulcus

Abstract Background: Inversion deformities caused by insufficient medial support are especially common when the PHILOS locking plate is used to treat proximal humeral fractures. Using finite element analysis, the present study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties of a PHILOS locking plate (PLP) and a PLP combined with a lateral intertubercular sulcus plate (PLP-LSP) in the fixation of proximal humeral fractures with loss of the medial column. We also present the results of a 69-year-old female patient with a comminuted fracture of the proximal right humerus (Neer type four-part fracture) who underwent successful surgical treatment with a PHILOS plate combined with an auxiliary lateral intertubercular sulcus plate. Methods: After creating a three-dimensional finite element model of a proximal humeral fracture with loss of the medial column, three implant models were established. A full-screw PLP was used in Group A, a PHILOS plate lacking medial screw support and an auxiliary plate (MPLP-LSP) was used in Group B, and a full-screw PLP-LSP was used in Group C. The three fixation models were applied to the proximal humeral fracture model, following which horizontal, compressive, and rotational loads were applied to the humerus model. We evaluated structural stiffness and stress distribution of the implant and compared displacement and angle changes among the three models. Results: Displacement and angle changes were smallest in Group C (PLP-LSP) compared to those in Group A and Group B. The implant model used in Group C also showed the highest structural rigidity, endured less von Misses stress, and had the strongest stability than that used in Group A and Group B. Conclusion: An LSP placed at the internodal grove not only aids in anatomical reduction but also provides effective lateral and medial support, thereby reducing stress on the PLP and providing better stability in patients with proximal humeral fractures.

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