Finite element and biomechanical analysis of risk factors for implant failure during tension band plating.

OBJECTIVE

Tension band plating has recently gained widespread acceptance as a method of correcting angular limb deformities in skeletally immature patients. We examined the role of biomechanics in procedural failure and devised a new method of reducing the rate of implant failure.

METHODS

In the biomechanical model, afterload (static or cyclic) was applied to each specimen. The residual stress of the screw combined with different screw sizes and configurations were measured and compared by X-ray diffraction. With regard to static load and similar conditions, the stress distribution was analyzed according to a three-dimensional finite element model.

RESULTS

The residual stress was close to zero in the static tension group, whereas it was very high in the cyclic load group. The residual stress of screws was significantly lower in the convergent group and parallel group than in the divergent group. The finite element model showed similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

In both the finite element analysis and biomechanical tests, the maximum stress of the screw was concentrated at the position where the screws enter the cortex. Cyclic loading is the primary cause of implant failure.