Mechanical performance of external fixators with wires for the treatment of bone fractures--Part I: Load-displacement behavior

• Published in: Journal of biomechanical engineering Vol. 115; no. 1; p. 29
• Main Authors: Delprete, C, Gola, M M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-02-1993
• Subjects: Biomechanical Phenomena; Bone Regeneration - physiology; Bone Wires - standards; Bony Callus - physiology; Compliance; Equipment Design - standards; External Fixators - standards; Humans; Linear Models; Materials Testing; Tibial Fractures - physiopathology; Tibial Fractures - therapy; Weight-Bearing
• ISSN: 0148-0731
• DOI: 10.1115/1.2895467

Using matrix algebra, a mathematical model is formulated for a particular type of external fixator with wires (system developed by Ilizarov) for the treatment of bone fractures. The mathematical model is used to give a linear estimate of the stiffness under lateral and axial loads in a representative number of practical conditions. Relative displacements of the bone ends at the fracture site are calculated not only in the common case of a gap, but also for various angles of inclined sliding contact; in this case, a realistic load is applied and nonlinear stiffening of the wires under transversal loads is iteratively taken into account.