Biomechanical Analysis of Different Osteosynthesis Configurations in the Pin and Plate Fixation Method for Distal Humerus Fractures Publisher Pubmed



Hakiminejad A¹ ; Nourani A¹ ; Ghias N¹ ; Mahmoudi A¹ ; Same K² ; Kamrani RS³ ; Nabian MH⁴
Source: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Published:2023

Abstract

Distal humerus fractures commonly occur in adults with low bone mineral density causing major technical challenges for orthopedic surgeons. Persian fixation method was introduced as a novel technique to stabilize small fragments in comminuted distal humerus fractures using a set of K-wires and a reconstruction plate. The present study aims to measure this technique's stiffness and stability of this technique and analyze the effect of influential parameters with numerical simulation and biomechanical testing on a cadaveric specimen. Validation of the finite element (FE) model was conducted based on results of experiments. The results indicated that Delta configuration mainly led to a higher stiffness in the case of axial loading and anterior bending compared to L configuration. Analyzing the influential factors of this technique suggests that changes in diameter and number of K-wires have a similarly significant effect on the construct stiffness while the height of plate had a slight influence. Also, the diameter of wires was the most effective parameter for implant failure, particularly in the 3-pin construct, which caused a reduction in failure risk by about 60%. The results revealed that the Persian fixation method would achieve suitable stability compared to the dual-plating technique. © 2023, The Author(s).