Comparative analysis of tibial plateau fracture osteosynthesis: A finite element study

This study presents a comparative structural finite element analysis between two different fixation methods for high-energy tibial plateau fractures: limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) and locking compression plate (LCP). Several computational methods were employed to obtain an accurate finite element bone model with non-homogeneous properties. The goal is to evaluate the mechanical behavior of the fractured bone under each type of treatment within the scope of a single case study. Based on Computed Tomography (CT) images from the human lower limbs, the bones and implants were modeled using Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) with Autodesk Fusion 360©. Afterwards, finite element analysis was carried out in both assemblies. Altair HyperWorks© was used for pre- and post-processing the analysis and Abaqus CAE© was chosen as solver. The finite element model was built considering the boundary conditions foreseen in the specific bibliography and the assembly was submitted to a vertical compressive load based on the human Body Weight (BW). The results of both simulations were compared regarding the independent motion of the bone fragments over the fracture site. Smaller relative displacement between the bone fragments leads to shorter recovery time since this condition provides more stability and low tissue strain, which are required to generate bone. The osteosynthesis with LCP achieved the best results since it presented reduced independent motion in the fracture site, as foreseen in literature.