[A theoretical model study of open section effect on the mechanical properties of long bone]

The mechanical model of femur mid-diaphysis with a rectangular open section in the exterior cortex was developed and a finite element method was adopted in calculating and analysing the changes of torsional stiffness and the stress distribution when the dimension of the open section altered. It showed that the open section with a length of 1 OD (femur mid-diaphysis diameter) had little influence on the femur torsional stiffness or stress distribution. The torsional stiffness decreased most dramatically as the length increased from 2 to 4 OD. Shear stress peaked at the center of the open section. This conclusion provides an important theoretical ground for the operative methods and the dimension control of an open section in clinical orthopaedics.