Biomechanical evaluation of the screw preload values used in the plate placement for bone fractures

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of screw preload values on the bone-plate system. The preload value was taken differently in the literature range from 50 N to 3000 N. These preload value were examined in this study. The finite element method was used to calculate the strain and stress on the models. The long bone, plate and screws were modeled as 3D using CAD software. The finite element models were created using Ansys Workbench software. The convergence and validation study were made for the correct results. The 400 N axial load was applied to the proximal end of bone. The distal end of the bone fixed for boundary condition. The preload values were applied to the screws differently. The results of the finite element analysis were compared and evaluated. The results showed that when the preload values increased, the von Mises stresses and strains on the bone and plate system increased. The critical preload value of the screw is the 500 N. The upper values of this critical value can be damaged bone and plate system. The critical region of the bone is the holes where the screw inserted. In conclusion, the preload values of the screw should not exceed the 500 N for the successful fixation.