Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
11:51
An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage
Published on: February 10, 2014
15.6K
Computational Modeling and Mechanical Testing of Calcaneus Fracture Plates: A Review
Radovan Zdero1, Christopher Del Balso2,3, Abdel-Rahman Lawendy4,3
1London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON N6A-5W9, Canada.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|September 1, 2025
Summary
This review analyzes how changing calcaneus fracture plate (CFP) and screw designs impacts mechanical stability. Optimizing these variables is key for better heel bone fracture fixation and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic biomechanics
- Biomedical engineering
- Surgical implant design
Background:
- Calcaneus fractures require stable fixation for optimal healing.
- Understanding the mechanical effects of plate and screw variables is crucial for improving calcaneus fracture plates (CFPs).
- Existing literature lacks a consolidated review of how specific CFP design parameters influence mechanical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review computational and experimental studies on the mechanical effects of varying plate and screw variables in calcaneus fracture plates (CFPs).
- To identify key engineering outcome metrics used to evaluate CFP performance.
- To recommend optimal CFP configurations for enhanced mechanical stability.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.
- Inclusion criteria focused on studies mechanically characterizing CFP performance by altering plate/screw variables, specifically for calcaneus fractures.
- Analysis of 36 eligible studies examining plate geometry, hole type, number, and screw geometry, number, distribution, and angle.
Main Results:
- Evaluated studies reported outcomes including interfragmentary motion (0-11.24 mm; 0-1.20 deg), stress on bone, plate, and screw (MPa), bone stress under the plate for stress shielding (0-50.0 MPa), cycles to failure (1000-89250), stiffness (22-5108 N/mm), and failure strength (100-7867 N).
- Plate variables (geometry, hole type, number) and screw variables (geometry, number, distribution, angle) were investigated.
- No studies analyzed plate position or material.
Conclusions:
- Significant variability exists in mechanical outcomes based on CFP design parameters.
- Further research is needed on implant and bone variables, study methodologies, and clinical considerations.
- A specific CFP configuration is recommended for maximal mechanical stability, aiding engineers and surgeons in design and application.
