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. 2005:25:108-17.

A three-dimensional finite element model of the radiocarpal joint: distal radius fracture step-off and stress transfer

Donald D Anderson  1 , Balachandra R Deshpande, Thomas E Daniel, Mark E Baratz
Affiliations

A three-dimensional finite element model of the radiocarpal joint: distal radius fracture step-off and stress transfer

Donald D Anderson et al. Iowa Orthop J. 2005.

Abstract

Displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures are difficult to treat, with numerous associated complications. The potential onset of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) is a major concern. The relationship between malreduced intra-articular fracture of the distal radius and subsequent early onset of radiocarpal OA is clinically important, yet poorly understood. To better understand this presumed mechanical relationship, detailed information regarding joint loading, kinematics and associated stress distributions must be obtained. Toward this end, a three-dimensional finite element (3D FE) contact model of the radiocarpal joint has been developed, including the radius, lunate, scaphoid, articulations between these bones and selected soft tissues near the joint. FE model geometry was derived from cryomicrotome sections of a cadaver wrist. Radiocarpal contact stress distributions in the intact and simulated malreduced fracture conditions, previously collected using a cadaveric intra-articular fracture model, are used to establish validity of the computational model. Finally, a section of the distal radius constituting the entire lunate fossa was displaced 1,2 and 3 mm to represent a depressed lunate die-punch fracture.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Natural history radiographic appearance of the wrist following healing of lunate die-punch-type fracture of the distal radius.
A
A. Loading fixture
B
B. Simulated distal radius fracture step-off
C
C. Pressure transducer placement and orientation relative to distal radius articular surface
Figure 3
Figure 3
Contour plots of FE-computed stress distribution and graphs comparing computed contact stresses to those measured experimentally (NOTE: The symbols in the graphs are from a single experimental specimen).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Contour plots of FE-computed stress distribution and graphs comparing computed contact stresses to those measured experimentally (NOTE: The symbols in the graphs are from a single experimental specimen).
Figure 4
Figure 4
This schematic highlights the procedure for generating a 3D FE model of the radiocarpal joint from cryomicrotome source image data.
Figure 5
Figure 5
This cut-away view of the distal radius FE mesh shows the prescribed material property distribution.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Computed contact stress distribution on the distal radius articular surface, with inset of contact stress imprint from cadaveric model for comparison.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Computed contact stress distribution on the distal radius articular surface, with inset of contact stress imprint from cadaveric model for comparison.
Figure 7A
Figure 7A
Figure 7B
Figure 7B
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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