Distal radius fracture strength has been quantified using in vitro biomechanical testing. These tests are frequently performed using one of two methods: (1) load is applied directly to the embedded isolated radius or (2) load is applied through the hand with the wrist joint intact. Fracture loads established using the isolated radius method are consistently 1.5 to 3 times greater than those for the intact wrist method. To address this discrepancy, a validated finite element modeling procedure was used to predict distal radius fracture strength for 22 female forearms under boundary conditions simulating the isolated radius and intact wrist method. Predicted fracture strength was highly correlated between methods (r = 0.94; p < 0.001); however, intact wrist simulations were characterized by significantly reduced cortical shell load carriage and increased stress and strain concentrations. These changes resulted in fracture strength values less than half those predicted for the isolated radius simulations (2274 ± 824 N for isolated radius, 1124 ± 375 N for intact wrist; p < 0.001). The isolated radius method underestimated the mechanical importance of the trabecular compartment compared to the more physiologically relevant intact wrist scenario. These differences should be borne in mind when interpreting the physiologic importance of mechanical testing and simulation results.
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November 2011
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Simulating Distal Radius Fracture Strength Using Biomechanical Tests: A Modeling Study Examining the Influence of Boundary Conditions
W. Brent Edwards,
e-mail: edwardsb@uic.edu
W. Brent Edwards
Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
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Karen L. Troy
Karen L. Troy
Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago
, IL 60612
Search for other works by this author on:
W. Brent Edwards
Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612
e-mail: edwardsb@uic.edu
Karen L. Troy
Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition and Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago
, IL 60612J Biomech Eng. Nov 2011, 133(11): 114501 (5 pages)
Published Online: November 18, 2011
Article history
Received:
August 31, 2011
Revised:
November 1, 2011
Online:
November 18, 2011
Published:
November 18, 2011
Citation
Edwards, W. B., and Troy, K. L. (November 18, 2011). "Simulating Distal Radius Fracture Strength Using Biomechanical Tests: A Modeling Study Examining the Influence of Boundary Conditions." ASME. J Biomech Eng. November 2011; 133(11): 114501. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4005428
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