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- Talk
- 13/09/2021
- UK
Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Biomechanical Investigation
Description
The presentation, led by Sabnat Samsami, focuses on a biomechanical investigation into complex tibial plateau fractures, a topic explored during Samsami's PhD studies in Germany. The speaker begins by noting that bi-condylar tibial plateau fractures represent roughly 35% of all tibial plateau fractures and emphasizes the significance of accurately identifying posteromedial fracture fragments for surgical planning.
The talk acknowledges an ongoing debate regarding the optimal fixation method for these intricate fractures, highlighting two major issues: the inadequacies of existing fracture classification systems and the insufficient understanding of how coronal fracture lines affect load sharing in bone-implant systems.
Utilizing finite element methods coupled with mechanical testing, the study aims to evaluate how coronal fracture lines influence the mechanical behavior of bone-implant structures and stress distributions within implants. Two fracture models are examined: the Harvest Model, commonly used in past studies, and a Coronal Fracture Model, which incorporates the latest clinical morphology data.
The experimental design includes mechanical tests to understand fracture mechanics, where the specimens are subjected to a range of loading scenarios simulating physiological conditions. Key findings indicate that the presence of a coronal fracture line significantly decreases the mechanical stability of the bone-implant structure.
Data reveal that specimens with a coronal fracture line exhibit reduced cyclic and static stiffness, lower failure loads, and diminished survival rates compared to those without this fracture type. The speaker presents stress distribution results showing increased stress concentrations in the implants associated with the coronal fracture model, thus indicating the need for more robust assessment methods considering these complex fracture types in clinical settings.
Concluding the presentation, Samsami stresses the importance of integrating such clinically relevant fracture models into future biomechanical evaluations to better understand potential fatigue points and enhance surgical outcomes.