Level of Fit of Two Fracture Fixation Plates to the Radius through Physical and Virtual Analysis

Abstract

Fractures of the radius are commonly treated by open reduction and internal fixation by use of a fracture fixation plate. In doing so, the gap between the underside of the plate and the surface of the bone must be minimized, and contouring time of the plate to the radius shape must also be minimized. It is proposed that plates with an initial precontour to approximate the shape of the radius will best achieve these requirements. To this end, the goal of this study is to evaluate the bending time and the level of fit of precontoured plates versus standard plates in fracture fixation of the radius. Six cadaver arms were obtained, and their radii were extracted and cleaned of soft tissue. Precontoured plates designed by Acumed, LLC, were fitted to the radii before and after additional contouring along with standard industry plates designed by DePuy Synthes. Gap measurements were taken at various points along the plate, and bending times were recorded for the plates that were additionally contoured. This analysis was then repeated virtually as well as physically through use of 3D printed duplicates of the radii. The dorsal precontoured Acumed and Synthes plates were found to fit equally well to the radius, while the volar precontoured Acumed plate does not fit as well as the Synthes plate. Additionally bending both the dorsal and volar Acumed plates provides superior fit over the Synthes plate. Also, no significant differences were found between the measurements of the bone and 3D printed bone, meaning 3D printed bone could be a useful facsimile of real bone for use in surgical planning.M.S., Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics -- Drexel University, 202