Finite Element Analysis of Percutaneous Anterograde and Retrograde Screws in the Treatment of Superior Rami Pubis Fracture

Abstract

Abstract Purpose This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of percutaneous antegrade and retrograde screws in treating superior pubic rami fractures in zone II, employing finite element analysis. It provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of the superior rami of pubis zone II fracture. Methods The software of Mimics and 3-Matic were utilized for reconstructing a fracture model of the superior pubic rami in zone II. Percutaneous screw implantation was simulated for treatment. Material properties were assigned using Mimics, and Ansys software was employed to simulate forces on the S1 vertebral endplate under a 500 N load in a standing posture. Mechanical stability was assessed by comparing these simulations. Results (1) Displacement and stress variations in the pubic bone and screws were consistent across the model and on the fracture site, whether the fracture was in zone I or zone II. However, in zone III, the displacement and stress experienced by the screws were markedly higher than those in zones I and II. (2) When employing an antegrade screw to simulate treatment of a superior pubic rami fracture in zone II, the maximum displacement and stress recorded were 0.88 mm and 15.53 MPa, respectively. Conversely, the use of a retrograde screw for treating a superior pubic rami fracture yielded a maximum displacement of 0.59 mm and stress of 5.51 MPa. Conclusion The biomechanical analysis suggests that for zone II superior pubic rami fractures, where the fracture line is no more than 70 mm from the insertion point (encompassing zones I and II fractures), the use of retrograde screw implantation is preferable.