Construction and stability of finite element models of distal tibial fractures / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Traditional studies on foot and ankle biomechanics have limitation. Ankle joint was complicated and had big range of motion, so it is difficult to establish finite element models and to analyze the type of fracture. OBJECTIVE: To construct the finite element models of distal tibial fractures and analyze the stability. METHODS: CT data of ankle were colected from a normal male volunteer and the three-dimensional reconstruction of volunteer was made by Mimics software, and the effectiveness was verified. The ratio of different joint involvement and height of fracture block were assumed with Solidwork software, and finite element models of distal tibial fractures were established. Fracture stability was analyzed by ANSYS software using finite element method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The distal tibia fracture model was consistent with the relevant literature data, and finite element analysis could be further conducted. The ratio of articular surface involved was positively associated with fragment height and fracture displacement, and negatively associated with fracture stability. These results indicate that the three-dimensional finite element models of distal tibial fractures were successfuly established. Fracture stability was associated with the ratio of articular surface involved and fragment height.