Finite element analysis of locking and non-locking compression plate fixation for humeral shaft fracture / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare the biomechanical properties of non-locking compression plate (DCP) and locking compression plate (LCP) in the internal fixation of humeral shaft fracture by means of finite element analysis.Methods Three-dimensional finite element models were constructed to simulate DCP and LCP internal fixation of humeral transverse fracture.The DCP and LCP groups were compared in terms of peak stress on the humeral fracture fragments (MPa),peak stress on the screws (MPa),and overall displacement peak value (mm) under 4 basic loads (bending,shear,torsion and compression).The biomechanical stability was analyzed after fracture fixation.Results The stress tended to concentrate at the connection sites of plate and screws and distributed evenly on DCP.The stress distributed in a gradient manner at the multiple screw holes and tended to concentrated on the central screws on LCP.Under the bending,shear and torsion loadings,the peak stresses on the fracture fragments and screws in the DCP fixation were larger than in the LCP fixation.However,under the compression loading,the peak stresses on the fracture fragments and screws in the DCP fixation were smaller than in the LCP fixation.DCP and LCP had similar trends in displacement.Under the bending,shear and torsion loadings,the overall displacement peak values in LCP fixation were smaller.However,under the compression loading,the overall displacement peak values in DCP fixation were smaller.Conclusions DCP and LCP have similar biomechanical properties to resist bending,shear,torsion and compression.Due to the gradient distribution of stress among the screw holes,LCP is more suitable for patients with comminuted fracture or osteoporosis.Stress distribution is more even in DCP.Surgeons should consider the advantages of both DCP and LCP to achieve better stability.