Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2012, Vol. 16 ›› Issue (9): 1626-1630.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2012.09.025

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Three-dimensional finite element analysis of mini-external fixation and Kirschner wire internal fixation for the treatment of Bennett fracture

Meng Li-min1, Su Xiao-tian2, Zhang Yin-guang3, Lu Yun4   

  1. 1Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin  300070, China; 2Department of Orthopaedics, Teda Hospital, Tianjin  300457, China; 3Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin  300211, China; 4Department of Hand Microsurgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin  300211, China
  • Received:2011-09-18 Revised:2011-10-17 Online:2012-02-26 Published:2012-02-26
  • Contact: Lu Yun, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Department of Hand Microsurgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin 300211, China
  • About author:Meng Li-min★, Studying for master’s degree, Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China menglimin@hotmail.com
  • Supported by:

    Technology Fund of Tianjin Health Bureau, No. 10JCYBJC13900*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Finite element analysis can be applied in imitate orthopaedic operations and biomechanics of orthopaedic model. Finite element analysis has been considered as an important and new method in surgery for orthopaedic biomechanics research.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the stability of Bennett fracture treated by mini-external fixation and Kirschner wire (k-wire) internal fixation using the finite element analysis.
METHODS: CT Images of the left distal radius from 25 healthy male volunteers were analyzed in order to build three-dimensional models of the first metacarpal, the second metacarpal, and the trapezium, as well as the model of k-wire and mini-external fixation devices by Mimics software. All the data were output in STL style and then input into Geomagic software to build model entities which were output in IGES form. Finally, the data were input in Aansys software to simulate Bennett fracture and establish treatment models of mini-external fixation and k-wire internal fixation. Finite element models were built following unit type and property were given to the two models. Nonlinear analysis was performed in the two models under the same load (50 N) at the same point of the first metacarpal.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The max displacements of the fracture piece of the mini-external fixation treatment model: X-component displacement was -0.492 mm for the distal end and -0.34 mm for the proximal end, and displacement vector in sum was 0.638 mm for the distal end and 0.659 mm for the proximal end. Relative displacements of the distal and proximal fracture ends: X-component displacement was 0.15 mm, and displacement vector in sum was 0.033 mm. The max displacements of the fracture piece of the k-wire internal fixation model: X-component displacement was -2.873 mm for the distal end and -2.546 mm for the proximal end, and displacement vector in sum was 5.361 mm for the distal end and 4.294 mm for the proximal end. Relative displacements of the distal and the proximate pieces of fracture: max X-component displacement was 0.676 mm and displacement vector in sum was 1.667 mm. The consequences indicate that the fixation stability of Bennett fracture treated by mini-external fixation is better than that by k-wire internal fixation. The former one can reduce the incidence of traumatic arthritis after treatment.

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