Optimization of intramedullary nailing by numerical simulation of fracture healing

Due to the annular gap between intramedullary (IM) nails and the endosteal surface, high interfragmentary movement can occur under loading. This could prolong the healing time, particularly for thin IM nails that are often used for unreamed IM nailing. The aims of our study were to determine the influence of the nail diameter on the healing time of human tibial shaft fractures and to investigate whether the healing time could be shortened by increasing the stiffness of the implant material. Therefore, a corroborated numerical model for simulating the fracture healing process in humans was used to simulate the healing process of human tibial fractures treated with IM nails. Tim Wehner1, Lutz Claes, Anita Ignatius, Ulrich Simon. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. Article first published online: 14 OCT 2011 PDF