Comparison of Treatment Positions for Tibia Fractures Using the External Narrow Locking Compression Plate: 3D Finite Element Analysis
Abstract
Using an external fixation plate for the treatment of tibia fractures is a method of managing bone injuries that allows the patient to experience minimal trauma and a faster recovery time. When using the finite element to help analyze the stiffness, stress, strain, and deformation of movement that occurs. It will help determine the direction of treatment better. The study aims to evaluate the effect of treatment positions for tibia fractures using the External Narrow Locking Compression Plate (NLCP): 3D Finite Element Analysis. Tibia and fibula bone models were created for photorealism, and the materials employed in the simulation were linearly elastic, homogeneous, and isotropic. The model cuts 3 mm of space in the tibia. An average human body weight of 800 N is applied as a distributed load on the proximal tibia and fixed support at the distal tibia. The NLCP is installed in 3 areas: anterior, medial, and lateral. It can be concluded that treating tibia fractures with an external fixation installation on the anterior side will result in the highest stiffness of 164.90 N/mm and the least von-Miss stress of 2498.0 MPa. The strain is minimal at 0.6078, and the deformation of the osteotomy site is minimal at 4.8514 mm. This study demonstrates that installing the NLCP in the anterior region provides the most suitable results.