Comparative Finite Element (FE) Analysis of the Mechanical Behavior in an Innovative Nitinol Staple for Arthrodesis in Distal Interphalangeal Joint

Abstract

Objective Osteoarthritis (OA) is a source of significant limitations for individuals, health systems, and economies. The most common complications of OA are often associated with risk factors related to chronic diseases, cardiovascular disease, and depression. In this article, a new kind of staple is proposed, designed to provide better strength when subjected to bending and torque loads. Methods This innovative staple has been numerically tested and compared to a MEMOFIX staple by Smith + Nephew, in order to evaluate its mechanical behavior. The radius and ulna were fixed at the lower extremity, while the distal interphalangeal of the little finger was loaded with a bending load of 50 N and a torque moment of 500 N/mm2. Results For the bending load, a maximum value of stress of 120 MPa in the traditional staple, while 90 MPa are registered in the innovative one. The torsional load produces a value of 107 MPa in the traditional staple and 85 MPa in the innovative one. Conclusion Computational simulations showed the biomechanical performance of a new type of nitinol staple compared with a traditional one. This staple is designed with an elliptical shape in order to support different kinds of loads. Our results confirm an optimal mechanical behavior, compared to the traditional staple, in terms of the evaluated Equivalent Von Mises stress; also the contact force exerted by the innovative staple was increased.