This paper presents a finite element (FE) model to identify parameters that affect the performance of an improved cancellous bone screw fixation technique, and hence potentially improved fracture treatment. In cancellous bone of low apparent density it can be difficult to achieve adequate screw fixation and hence provide stable fracture fixation that enables bony healing. Data from predictive FE models indicate that cements can have significant potential to improve screw holding power in cancellous bone. These FE models are used to demonstrate the key parameters that determine pullout strength in a variety of screw, bone, and cement set-ups, and to compare the effectiveness of different configurations. The paper concludes that significant advantages, up to an order of magnitude, in screw pull-out strength in cancellous bone might be gained by the appropriate use of a currently-approved calcium phosphate cement.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.