Finite element analysis of plate-screw systems used in medial opening wedge proximal tibial osteotomies

Julie Kimsal, Deana Mercer, Robert Schenck, Thomas DeCoster, Shahram Bozorgnia, Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Gary Mlady, Jesus Lerma, Tariq Khraishi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study investigates, through finite-element analysis, different plate-screw fixation systems used for medial opening proximal tibial osteotomies (locking or non-locking with or without a medial spacer). Sulzer stainless steel non-locking without spacer, Synthes titanium locking without spacer, Smith and Nephew custom titanium locking with a wedge spacer and Arthrex stainless steel non-locking with a wedge spacer fixation systems were modelled and compared. All fixation systems were tested under static loading of 889 N applied evenly over the proximal tibia particular surface. The areas of highest stress experienced in the bone and the plate/screw interface were analysed. Tendency of the osteotomy wedge to close under loading for each fixation system was analysed. The numerical results suggest the titanium locking plate with wedge spacer block outperforms the others by achieving lower stresses (incurred by the fixation system and bone) and loss of correction. Locking screw mechanisms and wedge spacer blocks appear advantageous.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)154-168
Number of pages15
JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology
Volume19
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Osteotomy
  • finite element analysis
  • orthopaedics
  • osteoarthritis
  • tibia.

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomedical Engineering

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