Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of three-dimensional finite element are more concentrated on orthopedic biomechanics in adults.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanical property of proximal femur anatomy-type plate for femoral subtrochanteric fractures by three-dimensional finite element analysis.
METHODS: Totally 12 femurs were removed from 6 fresh children cadavers, and then divided into two groups after excluding bone disease by X-ray. Children proximal femur anatomy-type plate was used for experimental group, and reconstruction plate was used for control group. Biomechanical tests for the anti-axial compression, torsional stiffness and bending stiffness were performed. A healthy boy was selected to obtain image data of proximal femur by spiral CT scanning technology. The three-dimensional finite element model of children’s proximal femur was established based on plate data to carry out biomechanical analysis.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference of axial compression stiffness and torsional stiffness between the two groups (P > 0.05), but bending stiffness of two groups had significant difference (P < 0.05). The results indicated that the capacity of anti-compression and anti-torsion of the children proximal femur anatomy-type plate is equally to reconstruction plant, but the capacity of anti-bend of the children proximal femur anatomy-type plate is superior to the reconstruction plant. Three-dimensional finite element analysis of biomechanics indicated that the design of children proximal femur anatomy-type plate is consistent with biomechanics principle and can meet the need of proximal femur fixation in children with the good intension, rigidity and constancy. Children proximal femur anatomy-type plate has better biomechanical property for the femoral subtrochanteric fracture.