Finite element analysis of calcaneus stress distributions with variant heights

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2014.42.004

Abstract

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal fractures are often accompanied with a height reduction in the calcaneus. Compared to the intra-articular fracture with much specific operation indications, there is no standard to the reduction of calcaneal height that needs a surgery in extra-articular fractures. Therefore, it is necessary to find a more quantitative operation indication.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes in calcaneus stress distribution along with the varying calcaneal height through finite element analysis.
METHODS: A three-dimensional finite element model of the normal ankle was developed. Four finite element models with the calcaneus height decrease in 5, 10, 15 and 20 mm were developed based on the normal ankle model. And the VonMises distribution of the calcaneus, the maximal stress and its location were respectively analyzed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the normal ankle model, the stress concentration was found in the posterior inner part of the posterior articular surface, the anterior inner part of the posterior articular facet and the calcaneocuboid articular surface. And the maximal stress was 16.608 MPa, which appeared in the posterior inner part of the posterior articular surface. The stress concentration in the calcaneocuboid articular surface disappeared when the calcaneal height decreased, and the maximal stress of the model with the calcaneal height decrease of 5, 10, 15 and 20 mm was 18.325, 19.674, 22.491 and 25.694 MPa, respectively. The results suggest that the VonMises of calcaneus concentrates and increases obviously when the calcaneal height changes. It seems that the calcaneal height should be restored to the normal level. When the reduction of the fracture is difficult, the decrease of the calcaneal height should be limited within 10 mm.

中国组织工程研究杂志出版内容重点：组织构建；骨细胞；软骨细胞；细胞培养；成纤维细胞；血管内皮细胞；骨质疏松；组织工程

全文链接：

Key words: calcaneus, finite element analysis, stress, mechanical, ankle

CLC Number:

R318

Wang Yi-min. Finite element analysis of calcaneus stress distributions with variant heights[J]. Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research, 2014, 18(42): 6742-6746.

Figures/Tables 1

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