Biomechanical Study of the Distal Fibula Plate in Isolated Fractures

Abstract

In the present study, a real clinical case of a distal fibula fracture is approached, which was instrumented by means of an LCP plate, which was evaluated at various operating loads to determine its structural mechanical behavior. Using the anatomical and biomechanical data, the process of making a distal fibula plate was replicated and a satisfactory design was achieved that met the functional qualities to arrive at the optimal solution. The theoretical hypothesis given by the theoretical calculations was correct in the sense that the biocompatible titanium alloy plate was the material that was least susceptible to tensile and bending stresses. The tests carried out through the Ansys program showed that the deformation pattern with the models presented corresponds to the case of fractured bone and assembled with the plate. It was observed that the efforts exerted on the healthy fibula are justified since the plate fulfills a similar function to carry the weight of the patient and even double this weight assuming a fall. Therefore, it is assumed that the plate fulfills without problem the function of supporting its own weight without deforming the device, even allowing it to remain stable until bone regeneration is achieved.