Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025

A Minimally Invasive Model to Analyze Endochondral Fracture Healing in Mice Under Standardized Biomechanical Conditions
Published on: March 22, 2018
Impact of screw thread shape on stress transfer in bone: a finite element study
Emmanuel Tetteh1, Matthew B A McCullough2
1Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
Abstract:
Gradual screw loosening is a well-known failure mechanism in internal fixation. Loosening is primarily due to progressive bone loss caused by stress shielding, a phenomenon in which a medical device absorbs a disproportionate amount of load within the screw-bone construct. The proximity of elastic moduli of magnesium and bone presents the potential for alleviating screw loosening by allowing optimum stress to be transferred between screw and bone, and in turn, supporting bone remodeling around the screw. In this study, the effect of thread profile on stress transfer in a magnesium fixation was simulated using a 2-D finite element model. Modified stress parameters from a previous study were used to estimate stress transfer across three thread profiles. Results showed highest stress transfer in trapezoidal-shaped magnesium screw thread. In accordance, this study corroborates the potential for magnesium as an ultimate screw material to eliminate progressive screw loosening.
More Related Videos
11:28A Coupled Experiment-finite Element Modeling Methodology for Assessing High Strain Rate Mechanical Response of Soft Biomaterials
Published on: May 18, 2015
09:07An Anesthesia, Surgery, and Harvest Method for the Evaluation of Transpedicular Screws Using an In Vivo Porcine Lumbar Spine Model
Published on: May 31, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Frictional Forces on Screws
A jack with a square-threaded screw is a mechanical device used to lift heavy loads by applying a force at its handle. When the force is applied, the screw turns, raising the load. The screw can...
Stress Concentrations in Circular Shafts
Design of Transmission Shafts - Stress Analysis
Residual Stresses in Circular Shafts
Transformation of Plane Stress
Thin-Walled Hollow Shafts