Biomechanical evaluation of composite reduction plates with variable positioning using the Henry and Thompson approaches for transverse radial fracture surgery - 09/04/25

Doi : 10.1016/j.otsr.2025.104240

Il Won Suh ^a , Chan Hee Park ^a,^b,^c,^d,^e,^f,⁎
^a Division of Mechanical Design Engineering, College of Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
^b Department of Bionanosystem Engineering, Graduate School, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
^c Department of Bionanotechnology and Bioconvergence Engineering, Graduate School, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
^d Eco-friendly Machine Parts Design Research Center, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
^e Interventional Mechano-Biotechnology Convergence Research Center, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
^f Innovative Mechanobio Active Materials Based Medical Device Demonstration Center, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Republic of Korea

^⁎Corresponding author.

Sous presse. Épreuves corrigées par l'auteur. Disponible en ligne depuis le Wednesday 09 April 2025

Abstract

Background

Radius fractures are challenging to stabilize due to complex muscle-loading conditions, requiring optimized plate positioning and material selection for effective treatment. This study addresses the biomechanical impact of plate positions (anterior, posterior, lateral) and materials in transverse radial fractures.

Hypothesis

Plate positioning and material selection significantly influence stress distribution and displacement, with lateral positioning and WE43 alloy offering biomechanical advantages.

Methods

Finite element analysis was used to evaluate Ti6Al4V titanium alloy and WE43 magnesium alloy bone plates positioned on the anterior, posterior, and lateral sides of the radius under a 50 N axial load. Stress distribution and displacement were analyzed.

Results

Posterior reductions exhibited the highest stress and displacement, indicating potential instability, with maximum von Mises stress increasing by 32.5% compared to anterior reduction. Lateral reductions provided more uniform stress distribution and lower displacement, though von Mises stress was still 20% higher than in the anterior reduction. WE43 alloy demonstrated effective stress reduction in non-posterior positions, while Ti6Al4V exhibited greater stiffness and resistance to deformation.

Discussion

Lateral and anterior plate positions demonstrated superior biomechanical stability, suggesting their preference for optimizing fracture healing and reducing complications. WE43 alloy’s stress-reducing and biodegradable properties make it suitable for temporary fixation, while Ti6Al4V provides greater structural integrity for long-term support. These findings highlight the importance of plate positioning and material selection in improving clinical outcomes for transverse radial fracture fixation.