Design and finite element analysis of digital splint / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Splint fixation was a common treatment for limb fracture, but there were some limitations, such as lack of individual difference, easy to lose and being unable to self-adjusting.OBJECTIVE: To explore the design method of digital splint and related finite element analysis.METHODS: Forearms were scanned with CT; periphery parameters were extracted, followed by reverse modeling and modifying. The digital splint models were constructed. Material attribute and mechanical loading were conducted. Thelimb length, maximum stress and displacement of the bone, soft tissue and splint were calculated by finite elementanalysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The digital splint has favorable tight attaching and balanced stress to skin, and whichkeeps well stability for the micro-motion fracture ends. Our study indicated that better tight attaching splint could bedesigned by digital modeling technology. Favorable fracture fixation and mechanical property could be also achieved.