Local microstrain variation in the compression of bionic bone with fracture fixation

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Materials Science

Background:

• Fracture fixation is a common surgical procedure.
• Internal fixation of bones during rehabilitation is subjected to loading.
• Global-local strain variation in fracture fixation is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally investigate global-local microstrain distribution in a bionic bone with fracture fixation under compression.
• To characterize microstrain on the bone plate surface and bionic bone surface.
• To provide insights into mechanical responses for optimizing rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a universal testing machine for global response measurement.
• Employed strain gauges to monitor surface microstrain on the bionic bone.
• Applied digital image correlation (DIC) technique for microstrain analysis on the bone plate.

Main Results:

• Developed an integrated system for global-local mechanical analysis of fracture fixation.
• Achieved high-precision mechanical insights through systematic regional microstrain measurements.
• Observed localized microstrain variations in both the bionic bone and the fixation plate.
• Found significant differences in microstrain magnitude and direction along the bone's axial direction, with higher strain on the side compared to the back.

Conclusions:

• Demonstrated heterogeneous strain distribution in fixed bones under loading.
• Emphasized the need for rehabilitation strategies to consider localized mechanical responses.
• Provided a foundation for individualized customization of postoperative rehabilitation exercises.