Biomechanical evaluation of axial-loading simulated experiment in wrist fractures: a finite element analysis

Abstract

Objective To assess the biomechanical properties that influence wrist fracture, so as to provide the theoretical basis for simulation experiments to aid the optimal design of wrist protectors. Methods Six cadaveric wrists were included as experimental specimens. Wrist specimens wearing wrist protectors formed the experimental group and unprotected wrist specimens formed the control group. The wrist specimens were axially loaded under physiological loads and the stress magnitude and distribution of the experimental and control groups were obtained. A three-dimensional wrist finite element model of a healthy volunteer was developed to verify the rationality and effectiveness of the cadaveric wrist models. Results Under normal physiological loads, the stress on the radioulnar palmar unit was high and manifested in the form of pressure, while the stress on the radioulnar dorsal unit was lower and manifested in the form of tension. The stresses on the radial distal palmar, ulnar distal palmar, radial distal dorsal, ulnar distal dorsal, radial proximal palmar and ulnar proximal palmar units in the experimental group were less than those in the control group. Conclusion Under physiological loads, wearing a wrist protector can reduce the stress on the radioulnar distal palmar, radioulnar proximal palmar and radioulnar distal dorsal units, while having no obvious effect on the radioulnar proximal dorsal units.