Analysis of mechanical variables in Hoffa fracture - A comparison of four methods by finite elements.

BACKGROUND: Correct management of Hoffa fractures is a challenge in the clinical context. Open reduction along with internal fixation should be the therapy of choice. Mechanical trials with the main internal fixation systems conducted by individualized finite element (FEM) models, to date, have been neglected. The aim of this study was to biomechanically analyze four fixation methods for the treatment of Type II Hoffa fracture (OTA Classification: 33B3.2∗ lateral) using FEM. METHODS: Four internal fixators were developed to treat Type II Hoffa fracture using finite elements: 4.5 mm cortical screws and 7 mm cannulated screw in anterior-to-posterior and posterior-to-anterior directions (4.5AP, 4.5 PA, 7AP and 7 PA). Under the same conditions, fractural deviation in the vertical, maximum and minimum principal and Von Mises directions in the syntheses used were evaluated. RESULTS: The vertical displacements evaluated were 0.7 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.8 mm and 0.3 mm; the values of maximum were 6.14 Mpa, 6.15 hPa, 6.0 Mpa and 6.2 Mpa, the values obtained from minimum data were 6.26 Mpa, -6.45 Mpa, -7.3 MPa and -6.8 Mpa and the maximum values of Von Mises peak stress were 185.0 Mpa, 194.1 Mpa, 143.6 Mpa and 741.4 Mpa, for the fixation models 4.5AP, 4.5 PA, 7AP and 7 PA, respectively. CONCLUSION: The 7 mm-cannulated screw fixation system yielded the best mechanical results evaluated by FEM in the treatment of Type II Hoffa fracture, causing a decrease in vertical displacement when used in retrograde and in Von Mises peak stress in anterograde.

Biomechanical study of different internal fixations in Pauwels type III femoral neck fracture - A finite elements analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate biomechanical behavior of different internal fixation methods for the treatment of Pauwels Type III femoral neck fractures. METHODS: Three internal fixators were developed to treat Pauwels Type III femoral neck fracture using finite elements: dynamic hip screw (DHS); DHS combined with anti-rotation screw; three cannulated screws in an inverted triangular configuration (ASNIS). Under the same conditions, vertical fracture displacement, and maximum and minimum principal, and Von Mises stresses were evaluated. RESULTS: The vertical displacements evaluated were: 5.43 mm, 5.33 mm and 6.22 mm, rotational displacements values were 1.1 mm, 0.4 mm and 1.3 mm; maximum principle stress values obtained for the upper region of the femoral neck were 3.26 hPa, 2.77 hPa, and 4.5 hPa, minimum principal stress values obtained for the inferior region of the femoral neck were -1.97 hPa, -1.8 hPa and t -3.15 hPa; Von Mises peak stress values were 340.0 MPa, 315.5 MPa and 326.1 Mpa, for DHS, DHS with anti-rotation device, and ASNIS, respectively. Conclusion: The DHS combined with anti-rotation screw yielded better results in terms of rotational and vertical displacements, traction and compression distributions on fractures, and Von Mises stress, demonstrating mechanical superiority for Pauwels Type III fracture.

PRELIMINARY MECHANICAL TEST OF PROXIMAL FEMUR REINFORCEMENT WITH CEMENTED X-SHAPED PMMA.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mechanical behavior of the proximal end of the femur submitted to the X-shaped polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) reinforcement technique. METHODS: Fifteen synthetic femurs, with a Nacional® density of 10 PCF, were divided into two groups: the DX group, with 5 units that were submitted to PMMA reinforcement, and the DP group, with 10 units, which were evaluated intact. The volume of PMMA required, the maximum load, and the absorbed energy to fracture were analyzed by means of a static mechanical bending test simulating a fall on the greater trochanter. RESULTS: A mean of 6 ml of PMMA was used to model the X-reinforcement; it was observed that the DX group presented significantly higher maximum load (median = 1553 N, p = 0.005) and absorbed energy to fracture (median = 9.7 J; p = 0.050) than the DP group (median = 905 N and 6.6 J). CONCLUSION: X-reinforcement of the proximal end of synthetic femurs showed a statistically significant increase in the maximum load and absorbed energy to fracture in the mechanical assay when compared to the control group. Level of Evidence III, Experimental study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o comportamento mecânico da extremidade proximal do fêmur submetido à técnica de reforço com polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) em forma de X. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 15 fêmures sintéticos, com densidade de 10 PCF da Nacional®, divididos nos grupos DX, com 5 unidades submetidas ao reforço com PMMA, e DP com 10 unidades, avaliados com sua integridade intacta. Foram analisados o volume de PMMA necessário, os valores da carga máxima e a energia absorvida até a fratura por meio de ensaio mecânico estático de flexão, simulando queda sobre o trocanter maior. RESULTADOS: Foram usados em média 6 ml de PMMA para a modelagem do reforço em X e observou-se que o grupo DX apresentou carga máxima (mediana = 1553 N; p = 0,005) e energia absorvida até fratura (mediana = 9,7 J; p = 0,050) significativamente maior que o grupo DP (mediana = 905 N e 6,6 J). CONCLUSÃO: O reforço em X da extremidade proximal de fêmures sintéticos apresentou incremento estatisticamente significativo da carga máxima e energia absorvida até a fratura no ensaio mecânico em comparação com o grupo controle. Nível de evidência III, Estudo experimental.

Preliminary mechanical test of proximal femur reinforcement with cemented x-shaped pmma / Ensaio mecânico preliminar do reforço femoral proximal com cimento ósseo em forma de "x"

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the mechanical behavior of the proximal end of the femur submitted to the X-shaped polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) reinforcement technique. Methods: Fifteen synthetic femurs, with a Nacional® density of 10 PCF, were divided into two groups: the DX group, with 5 units that were submitted to PMMA reinforcement, and the DP group, with 10 units, which were evaluated intact. The volume of PMMA required, the maximum load, and the absorbed energy to fracture were analyzed by means of a static mechanical bending test simulating a fall on the greater trochanter. Results: A mean of 6 ml of PMMA was used to model the X-reinforcement; it was observed that the DX group presented significantly higher maximum load (median = 1553 N, p = 0.005) and absorbed energy to fracture (median = 9.7 J; p = 0.050) than the DP group (median = 905 N and 6.6 J). Conclusion: X-reinforcement of the proximal end of synthetic femurs showed a statistically significant increase in the maximum load and absorbed energy to fracture in the mechanical assay when compared to the control group. Level of Evidence III, Experimental study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento mecânico da extremidade proximal do fêmur submetido à técnica de reforço com polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) em forma de X. Métodos: Foram utilizados 15 fêmures sintéticos, com densidade de 10 PCF da Nacional®, divididos nos grupos DX, com 5 unidades submetidas ao reforço com PMMA, e DP com 10 unidades, avaliados com sua integridade intacta. Foram analisados o volume de PMMA necessário, os valores da carga máxima e a energia absorvida até a fratura por meio de ensaio mecânico estático de flexão, simulando queda sobre o trocanter maior. Resultados: Foram usados em média 6 ml de PMMA para a modelagem do reforço em X e observou-se que o grupo DX apresentou carga máxima (mediana = 1553 N; p = 0,005) e energia absorvida até fratura (mediana = 9,7 J; p = 0,050) significativamente maior que o grupo DP (mediana = 905 N e 6,6 J). Conclusão: O reforço em X da extremidade proximal de fêmures sintéticos apresentou incremento estatisticamente significativo da carga máxima e energia absorvida até a fratura no ensaio mecânico em comparação com o grupo controle. Nível de evidência III, Estudo experimental.