Clinical implementation of quantitative computed tomography-based finite element analysis (QCT/FEA) of proximal femur stiffness and strength to assess the likelihood of proximal femur (hip) fractures requires a unified modeling procedure, consistency in predicting bone mechanical properties, and validation with realistic test data that represent typical hip fractures, specifically, a sideways fall on the hip. We, therefore, used two sets (n = 9, each) of cadaveric femora with bone densities varying from normal to osteoporotic to build, refine, and validate a new class of QCT/FEA models for hip fracture under loading conditions that simulate a sideways fall on the hip. Convergence requirements of finite element models of the first set of femora led to the creation of a new meshing strategy and a robust process to model proximal femur geometry and material properties from QCT images. We used a second set of femora to cross-validate the model parameters derived from the first set. Refined models were validated experimentally by fracturing femora using specially designed fixtures, load cells, and high speed video capture. CT image reconstructions of fractured femora were created to classify the fractures. The predicted stiffness (cross-validation R2 = 0.87), fracture load (cross-validation R2 = 0.85), and fracture patterns (83% agreement) correlated well with experimental data.

Background: Injury to the posterolateral corner (PLC) of the knee requires reconstruction to restore coronal and rotary stability. Two commonly used procedures are the Arciero reconstruction technique (ART) and the LaPrade reconstruction technique (LRT). To the authors’ knowledge, these techniques have not been biomechanically compared against one another. Purpose: To identify if one of these reconstruction techniques better restores stability to a PLC-deficient knee and if concomitant injury to the proximal tibiofibular joint or anterior cruciate ligament affects these results. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight matched-paired cadaveric specimens from the midfemur to toes were used. Each specimen was tested in 4 phases: intact PLC (phase 1), PLC sectioned (phase 2), PLC reconstructed (ART or LRT) (phase 3), and tibiofibular (phase 4A) or anterior cruciate ligament (phase 4B) sectioning with PLC reconstructed. Varus angulation and external rotation at 0º, 20º, 30º, 60º, and 90º of knee flexion were quantified at each phase. Results: In phase 3, both reconstructions were effective at restoring laxity back to the intact state. However, in phase 4A, both reconstructions were ineffective at stabilizing the joint owing to tibiofibular instability. In phase 4B, both reconstructions had the potential to restrict varus angulation motion. There were no statistically significant differences found between reconstruction techniques for varus angulation or external rotation at any degree of flexion in phase 3 or 4. Conclusion: The LRT and ART are equally effective at restoring stability to knees with PLC injuries. Neither reconstruction technique fully restores stability to knees with combined PLC and proximal tibiofibular joint injuries. Clinical Relevance: Given these findings, surgeons may select their reconstruction technique based on their experience and training and the specific needs of their patients.

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The aim of the present study was to compare proximal femur strength and stiffness obtained experimentally with estimations from Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models derived from Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) scans acquired at two different scanner settings. QCT/FEA models could potentially aid in diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis but several drawbacks still limit their predictive ability. One potential reason is that the models are still sensitive to scanner settings which could lead to changes in assigned material properties, thus limiting their results accuracy and clinical effectiveness. To find the mechanical properties we fracture tested 44 proximal femora in a sideways fall-on-the-hip configuration. Before testing, we CT scanned all femora twice, first at higher resolution scanner settings, and second at a lower resolution scanner settings and built 88 QCT/FEA models of femoral strength and stiffness. The femoral set neck bone mineral density, as measured by DXA, uniformly covered the range from osteoporotic to normal. This study showed that the femoral strength and stiffness values predicted from high and low resolution scans were significantly different (p < 0.0001). Strength estimated from high resolution QCT scans was larger for osteoporotic, but smaller for normal and osteopenic femora when compared to low resolution scans. In addition, stiffness estimated from high resolution scans was consistently larger than stiffness obtained from low resolution scans over the entire femoral dataset. While QCT/FEA techniques hold promises for use in clinical settings we provided evidence that further improvements are required to increase robustness in their predictive power under different scanner settings and modeling assumptions.

The following is a two-part study. Part A evaluates biomechanically intramedullary (IM) nails vs. locking plates for fixation of femoral fractures in osteoporotic bone. Part B of this study introduces a deterministic finite element model of each construct type and investigates the probability of periprosthetic fracture of the locking plate compared with the retrograde IM nail using Monte Carlo simulation. For Part A, an extra-articular, metaphyseal wedge fracture pattern was created in 11 osteoporotic fourth-generation composite femurs. Fixation was performed with a locking plate or a retrograde IM nail. Axial, torsion and bending cyclic loading to simulate post-operative damage accumulation were performed followed by ramped load to failure. Locking plates proved to be more stable (using stiffness as the determining factor) in osteoporotic bone as observed under low load cycle conditions. However, some of these advantages were offset by a greater incidence of sudden periprosthetic fracture observed under ramped loading conditions. Cadaveric, osteoporotic femurs included as a case study also exhibited periprosthetic fracture, but failure was accompanied by catastrophic comminution of the cortex. Periprosthetic failure at the implant end including bone comminution is difficult to salvage with revision fixation. The weakened trabecular matrix and thinned cortex of osteoporotic bone may increase the incidence of periprosthetic fracture. It is, therefore, essential for the surgeon to consider all possible loading scenarios when recommending an ideal implant for the osteoporotic patient.

The following is Part B of a two-part study. Part A evaluated, biomechanically, intramedullary (IM) nails versus locking plates for fixation of an extra-articular, metaphyseal wedge fracture in synthetic osteoporotic bone. Part B of this study introduces deterministic finite element (FE) models of each construct type in synthetic osteoporotic bone and investigates the probability of periprosthetic fracture of the locking plate compared with the retrograde IM nail using Monte Carlo simulation. Deterministic FE models of the fractured femur implanted with IM nail and locking plate, respectively, were developed and validated using experimental data presented in Part A of this study. The models were validated by comparing the load-displacement curve of the experimental data with the load-displacement curve of the FE simulation with a root-mean square error of less than 3 mm. The validated FE models were then modified by defining the cortical and cancellous bone modulus of elasticity as uncertain variables that could be assumed to vary randomly. Monte Carlo simulation was used to evaluate the probability of fracture (POF) of each fixation. The POF represents the cumulative probability that the predicted shear stresses in the cortical bone will exceed the expected shear strength of the cortical bone. This investigation provides information regarding the significance of post-operative damage accumulation on the POF of the implanted bones when the two fixations are used. The probabilistic analysis found the locking plate fixation to have a higher POF than the IM nail fixation under the applied loading conditions (locking plate 21.8% versus IM nail 0.019%).

In a cadaveric model, we evaluated thumb metacarpal subsidence, indicated by a decreased metacarpal-to-scaphoid distance, after 2 surgical procedures used to treat thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis (OA): partial trapeziectomy with capsular interposition (PTCI), which involves removal of 2 mm of both the distal trapezium and base of the metacarpal; and total trapeziectomy with capsular interposition (TTCI). Nine matched pairs of cadaveric hands were randomly assigned to undergo either PTCI or TTCI. Preoperatively, physiologic forces were applied across the thumb CMC joint by loading 6 tendons, simulating lateral pinch. Anteroposterior radiographs were obtained, and the metacarpal-to-scaphoid distance on each image was estimated independently by 3 separate readers using customized software. A hand surgeon then performed the PTCI and TTCI procedures, and the measurements under loading were repeated. The results were assessed for interrater reliability. Mean values for metacarpal-to-scaphoid distance before and after the surgical procedures were compared. Preoperatively, the metacarpal-to-scaphoid distance in the PTCI and TTCI groups was not significantly different. Postoperatively, metacarpal subsidence was significantly less in the PTCI group (17% compared with 34% for TTCI; = .05). Metacarpal subsidence occurred after both PTCI and TTCI, but significantly less subsidence was observed after PTCI; thus, thumb length was better preserved. Previous research has shown an inverse correlation between maintenance of thumb length and overall Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. A procedure for treating thumb CMC OA that preserves thumb length and minimizes disruption of stabilizing joint tissue may provide enhanced maintenance of thumb stability and improved patient outcomes.

Microstructural damage or a loss of fixation due to an overly rigid volar plate design may cause malunion or nonunion of fracture fragments and lead to bone-implant instability.