Ideal Configuration Distribution of Femoral Neck Cannulated Screw in High Altitude Population: A Finite Element Study

Abstract

Objective. For people in high altitude areas, the shape of the femoral neck is different due to the different living environment. To deduce the optimal insertion angle and position of the cannulated screw using three-dimensional finite element technology in patients at high altitude. Methods. The data of 100 volunteers were used to establish a finite element model. The stress and displacement of cannulated screws of equilateral and oblique triangle screw placement in femoral neck fracture model and complete femoral neck model were evaluated. Results. On the narrowest plane, the average values of $\angle \text{A}$ , B, and C were 47.63o, 75.49o, and 56.88o, respectively, and the shape was an oblique triangle. In complete femoral neck model, the maximum Von Mises stress of the three cannulated screws of equilateral triangle screw placement was slightly larger than oblique triangle screw placement, and this difference was more obvious in femoral neck fracture model. Under same loads, the overall maximum displacement of femur in oblique triangle screw placement was less than equilateral triangle screw placement in two models. Conclusions. For people in high-altitude areas, the three screws should be implanted in an oblique triangle configuration in cannulated screw treatment of femoral neck fractures.