Análise comparativa de métodos de fixação cirúrgica de fraturas no platô tibial através do método dos elementos finitos

Abstract

The following academic paper consists of a comparative structural analysis of two different fixation methods for high energy tibial plateau fractures: through conventional plates and screws and using blocked plates with locking head screws. The project consists on the modelling of the assemblies in a CAD environment using Autodesk Fusion 360© and based on the images from a computed tomography. Afterwards, finite element analysis was performed in both assemblies. This type of analysis allows a great modelling versatility and also a great level of correlation between its results and the expected physical behaviour of the structure evaluated. Altair HyperWorks© was chosen to pre-process and post-process the analysis and Abaqus CAE© for solving. The comparison parameter chosen to drive the results is the displacement of the bone fragments over the border of the fracture interface. Smaller relative displacements between the bone fragments are desirable for a shorter recovery time, since this condition provides the required stability for the bone to regenerate and consolidate without defects. The model was built considering the boundary conditions foreseen in specific bibliography and submitted to a vertical compressive load of 3224,5 N. The osteosynthesis of blocked plates with locking head screws showed best results compared to the conventional plates fixation since it presented inferior relative displacements over the fracture border.