Biomechanical Analysis of Window Configuration of Femur under Different Loading Conditions

Background: In surgeries, when making a window in the bone cortex is necessary, a circular window is usually recommended. A review of the literature did not yield any positive evidence indicating the preference for the circular shape under bending and compression loading. Objectives: In this study, we examined this issue using two methods, including software analysis and performing load tests in laboratory. Methods: Windows of different shapes with the same area were made in ۴۰ femoral bones of the same-weight New Zealand rabbits, and then they were put under bending and compression force by a hydraulic device in the laboratory to measure the force required to fracture the bone by a computer. Simultaneously, ANSYS® software was used to simulate the test by the Biomechanics Research Team of the University of Technology. Results: According to the results obtained from software analysis and simulation, under compression and bending loading conditions, the mean fracture force in a trapezoidal shape was more than that in circular, square, and triangular shapes. These results were also confirmed in the experiments. Conclusion: Based on the results, no significant difference was observed between these shapes under the bending force. Moreover, under compression loading, no significant difference was found between trapezoidal and circular shapes.

Keywords:

Rabbit femur , compression , Bending