Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2024; 37(05): 213-222
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1782194
Original Research

Stress Changes in the Canine Radius after Locking Plate Fixation Using Finite Element Analysis

1   Department of Veterinary Surgery, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino-shi, Tokyo, Japan
2   Aeon Pet Co., Ltd., Ichikawa-shi, Chiba, Japan
,
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino-shi, Tokyo, Japan
,
Nobuo Kanno
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino-shi, Tokyo, Japan
,
Yasuji Harada
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino-shi, Tokyo, Japan
,
Yasushi Hara
1   Department of Veterinary Surgery, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino-shi, Tokyo, Japan
› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress changes in the radii beneath the locking plates (LP) of dogs implanted with LP using finite element analysis (FEA).

Study Design The study included radii harvested from eight dogs. After computed tomography (CT) scans of the forelimb, the articular surface of the radius was fixed using resin. Material tests were conducted to identify the yield and fracture points and for verification with FEA. The CT data of the radius were imported into FEA software. The radii were classified into three groups based on the placement of the LP (nonplate placement, intact group; 1 mm above the radial surface, LP + 1 mm group; 3 mm above the radial surface, LP + 3 mm group). Equivalent, maximum, and minimum principal stresses and minimum principal strain were measured after FEA at the radial diaphysis beneath the plate.

Results In shell elements, the LP + 1 mm and LP + 3 mm groups showed a significantly lower maximum principal stress compared with the intact group. In solid elements, the LP + 1 mm and LP + 3 mm groups showed a significantly higher equivalent stress and a significantly lower maximum principal stress compared with the intact group.

Conclusion When an axial load is applied to the radius, LP placement reduces the tension stress on the cortical bone of the radius beneath the plate, possibly related to implant-induced osteoporosis and bone formation in the cortical bone beneath the plate.

Authors' Contribution

All the authors contributed to the conception, design, and interpretation of the study, and drafted, revised, and approved the submitted manuscript.




Publication History

Received: 16 August 2023

Accepted: 08 February 2024

Article published online:
06 March 2024

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