Finite element analysis using interfragmentary strain theory for the fracture healing process to which composite bone plates are applied

Abstract

The present paper deals with finite element analyses to estimate the healing efficiency of fractured long bones to which various composite bone plates are applied. To estimate the callus modulus according to the healing period, interfragmentary strain theory was used, and the iterative process for updating the newly determined callus properties in every finite element was implemented by a user-defined subroutine constructed by the Python code. The results of analysis revealed that a composite bone plate made of a plain weave carbon/epoxy composite whose Young's modulus was in the range of 3070 GPa produced a positive effect on the healing efficiency relieving stress-shielding effect. This result can be used in the detailed design of high-performing composite bone plates to determine more effective shapes and stacking sequences for better healing efficiency. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.