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Updated: Oct 24, 2026
Proximal Cadaveric Femur Preparation for Fracture Strength Testing and Quantitative CT-based Finite Element Analysis
Published on: March 11, 2017
Development of an Individualised Distal Fibula Locking Hook Plate Through Digital Orthopaedic Technology and Its
Le Kang1, Jian-Qiang Cui1, Yu-Jin Dong2
1Department of Hand Surgery & Microsurgery and Foot & Ankle Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Yantai, Shandong Province, China.
Objective:
To develop an individualised distal fibular locking hook plate for Danis-Weber type A fractures and assess its preclinical biomechanics.
Methods:
Anatomical measurements of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) were pooled to define ligament attachment sites and optimise hook-tooth placement. A cobalt-chromium alloy locking hook plate was designed using computer-aided design software, fabricated by 3D printing, and evaluated by finite element analysis under static, inversion, eversion, and external-rotation loading conditions.
Results:
A 9.0-mm gap between the hook teeth was selected from the pooled anatomical measurements. Across all tested loading conditions, fracture-site displacement remained below 1.0 mm. Under 700-N external-rotation loading, the maximum von Mises stress was 23.0 MPa in the distal fibula and 53.9 MPa in the plate.
Conclusion:
The plate demonstrated anatomical compatibility and favourable finite element performance. Cadaveric testing and prospective clinical studies are required before clinical effectiveness or routine use can be established.
