![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
The Mennen femur plate is a fixation device used for the treatment of femoral periprosthetic fractures. It features a novel fastening method where curved prongs are plastically deformed securing the implant to the bone. Although this “clamp-on” method has been successfully used to treat fractures of long bones, there are no literature data assessing the nature of the required plastic deformation.
In the present study, the parameters influencing the performance of the prongs were identified and further explored using numerical modeling. The new Mennen 3 PeriPro plate is briefly discussed focusing on the new sculpted formation of the prongs. Their design was optimized to effectively control the magnitude and position of the required plastic deformation achieving enhanced anchorage on the fractured bone with minimum effort.
The work presented contains all the necessary steps in analysing a clinical problem using finite elements and illustrates how effective use of simulation techniques can accurately predict and effectively control the required plastic deformation of a structure.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support by the UK Department of Trade and Industry and C.H. Medical Ltd under the umbrella of a Teaching Company Scheme (now Knowledge Transfer Partnerships) that allowed this research to be completed.
Notes
¶Postal address (for all authors): Department of Engineering, Harrison Building North Park Road, Exeter, EX4 4QF, UK.
This article includes a word that is or is asserted to be a proprietary term or trade mark. Its inclusion does not imply it has acquired for legal purposes a non-proprietary or general significance, nor is any other judgement implied concerning its legal status.