Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Several Internal and External Pelvis Fixations

Abstract

The Finite Element Method (FEM) can be used to analyze very complex geometries, such as the pelvis, and complicated constitutive behaviors, such as the heterogeneous, nonlinear, and anisotropic behavior of bone tissue or the noncompression, nonbending character of ligaments. Here, FEM was used to simulate the mechanical ability of several external and internal fixations that stabilize pelvic ring disruptions. A customized pelvic fracture analysis was performed by computer simulation to determine the best fixation method for each individual treatment. The stability of open-book fractures with external fixations at either the iliac crests or the pelvic equator was similar, and increased greatly when they were used in combination. However, external fixations did not effectively stabilize rotationally and vertically unstable fractures. Adequate stabilization was only achieved using an internal pubis fixation with two sacroiliac screws.

Finite element contact analysis of the hip joint

“…The mechanical properties of the sacroiliac and pubic ligaments were determined following the approach of Garcia et al [6] by comparing the numerical results of pubic deformation with the experimental results of Simonian et al [23]. The most…”

Ultimate stress and age-dependent deformation characteristics of the iliotibial tract

“…However, most approaches as the finite element method failed to integrate these structures due to missing data on their material properties (García et al, 2000;Majumder et al, 2007). A few groups created finite element models including ligaments and ligamentous material properties (Eichenseer et al, 2011;Liao and Belkoff, 1999;Phillips et al, 2007).…”

3D non-linear analysis of the acetabular construct following impaction grafting

“…There have been 3D numerical studies examining the behaviour of the natural hip joint and the hip joint following primary arthroplasty (Goel et al 1978, Oonishi et al 1983, Dalstra and Huiskes 1995, Garcia et al 2000, Anderson et al 2004, Siggelkow et al 2004). However, the literature does not include 3D numerical studies of the hip joint following revision arthroplasty, carried out using impaction grafting; perhaps due to the complexities of modelling the material properties of bone graft.…”