Combined finite element and multibody musculoskeletal investigation of a fractured clavicle with reconstruction plate

Abstract

This paper addresses the evaluation of clavicle fixation devices, by means of computational models. The aim was to develop a method for comparison of stress distribution in various fixation devices, to determine whether the use of multibody musculoskeletal input in such model is applicable and to report the approach. The focus was on realistic loading and the motivation for the work is that the treatment can be enhanced by a better understanding of the loading of the clavicle and fixation device. The method can be used to confirm the strength of customised plates, for optimisation of new plates and to complement experimental studies. A finite element (FE) mesh of the clavicle geometry was created from computed tomography data and imported into the FE solver where the model was subjected to muscle forces and other boundary conditions from a multibody musculoskeletal model performing a typical activity of daily life. A reconstruction plate and screws were also imported into the model. The combination models returned stresses and displacements of plausible magnitudes in all included parts and the result, upon further development and validation, may serve as a design guideline for improved clavicle fixation.

Keywords::

• clavicle
• finite element analysis
• multibody simulation
• bone plate

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Joakim Asklund at Abaqus for the support with Abaqus CAE, the physicians Börje Samuelsson and Tryggve Ericsson at Östersund Hospital and the assistant tutors Lars-Erik Rännar and Mikael Bäckström, for their contribution to the study.

Notes

^1. Email: [email protected]

^2. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth – Tillväxtverket, European Regional Development Fund.