Assessment of Carbon Fibre Composite Fracture Fixation Plate Using Finite Element Analysis

Abstract

Citation: Saidpour, S. (2006) 'Assessment of carbon fibre composite fracture fixation plate using finite element analysis'. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 34(7), pp. 1157-1163.Published version available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10439-006-9102-z Publisher statement:The original publication is available at springerlink.com Information on how to cite items within roar@uel:http://www.uel.ac.uk/roar/openaccess.htm#Citing Annals of Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 34, No. 7, July 2006 (2006 AbstractIn the internal fixation of fractured bone by means of bone-plates fastened to the bone on its tensile surface, an on-going concern has been the excessive stress shielding of the bone by the excessively-stiff stainless-steel plate. The compressive stress shielding at the fractureinterface immediately after fracture-fixation delays callus formation and bone healing. Likewise, the tensile stress shielding in the layer of bone underneath the plate can cause osteoporosis and decrease in tensile strength of this layer.In this study a novel forearm internal fracture fixation plate made from short carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) was used in an attempt to address the problem. Accordingly, it has been possible to analyse the stress distribution in the composite plates using finite-element modelling.A three-dimensional, quarter-symmetric finite element model was generated for the plate system. The stress state in the underlying bone was examined for several loading conditions. Based on the analytical results the composite plate system is likely to reduce stress-shielding effects at the fracture site when subjected to bending and torsional loads. The design of the plate was further optimised by reducing the width around the innermost holes.

Biomechanical analysis using infrared thermography of a traditional metal plate versus a carbon fibre/epoxy plate for Vancouver B1 femur fractures

“…[7][8][9] To overcome stress shielding and other concerns, polymer-based composite nails, plates, and hip implants with stiffnesses similar to host bone have been assessed for repairing fractures and replacing joints. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] This is the first biomechanical investigation to directly compare a traditional metal plate used non-locking screw holes and was 5.7 mm thick 3 16.8 mm wide 3 246.0 mm long (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN, USA) (Figure 1). The metal plate had a longitudinal Young's modulus of 193 GPa and a cross-sectional area moment of inertia of 259.3 mm 4 around its main bending axis.…”

Effects of the bone-plate material and the presence of a gap between the fractured bone and plate on the predicted stresses at the fractured bone

“…The plate and screw internal fixation technique has been improved with the presence of new biocompatible rigid materials such as stainless steel, cobalt chromium, titanium and composite materials [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. However, bone osteoporosis is often found under these rigid plates, and bone re-fracture may occur after the plate is removed.…”

“…The first theory is that there is insufficient blood supply for the bone underneath the plate because of the direct contact between these rigid plates and bone [1,9]. Such direct contact causes bone necrosis under the rigid plates as a long-term effect.…”

“…Saidpour [9] investigated the suitability of using a short carbon fibre-reinforced plastic composite as a bone-plate for fracture fixation. Based on his analytical results, the composite plate system is likely to reduce stress shielding effects at the fracture site when subjected to bending and torsional loads.…”

Design optimization of a xenogeneic bone plate and screws using the Taguchi and finite element methods

“…However, bone plates and screws made of a composite material are still difficult to remove after solid union of the fractured bone. 5,6 Prior studies have used bone plates and screws made of a biocompatible material in order to overcome the aforementioned fundamental problems. 7 However, bone plates and screws made of a biocompatible material have some drawbacks, such as insufficient mechanical strength, induction of an inflammatory foreign body reaction, and incomplete resorption.…”