Computer-Aided Design of Prophylactic Metal Reinforcement of the Proximal Femur

Abstract

Hip fractures are among the most dangerous fractures, because they are quite common in older people and are difficult to treat. Based on the general opinion, the most effective tactic is surgical treatment, but its results against the background of osteoporosis are not satisfactory. Reducing the likelihood of hip fractures is a complex problem that can only be solved by combining the idea of medical science and mechanical research of a deformable solid. In this paper, the calculation of stresses arising from exposure to the reinforced femur neck of various loads is considered. At the current stage of the study, calculations of the stress–strain state corresponding to the loads at the moment of impact when a person falls on the thigh are carried out. Comparison of the values of withstanding stresses indicates the utility of using the considered implants, which in consequence will reduce the likelihood of a hip fracture. Using reinforcing metal structures in the bone has led to increasing of the highest extremes by about 140%, which confirms the utility of their use. Thus, pre–reinforcement of the femoral neck in elderly people at risk reduces the likelihood of fracture due to the reduction of critical stresses in hazardous areas.

Keywords

• numerical simulation
• femur neck
• mathematical modeling
• deflected mode