Abstract
This paper addresses the various treatment options for clavicle fractures by means of computational models, more precisely cases with a need for internal fixation: non-unions and certain complex fractures. The motivation for the work is that treatment can be enhanced by a better understanding of the loading of the clavicle and fixation device. This study aimed to develop a method for realistic simulation of stresses in the bone and fixation device in the case of a fractured clavicle. A finite element (FE) mesh of the clavicle geometry was created from computer tomography (CT) data and imported into the FE solver where the model was subjected to muscle forces and other boundary conditions from a multibody musculoskeletal model performing a typical activity of daily life. A reconstruction plate and screws were also imported into the model. The combination models returned stresses and displacements of plausible magnitudes in all included parts and the result, upon further validation, may serve as a design guideline for improved clavicle fixation devices.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 7 |
Pages (from-to) | 740-748 |
ISSN | 1025-5842 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |