Biomechanical performance using finite element analysis of different screw materials in the parallel screw fixation of Salter-Harris Type 4 fractures

Abstract

The biomechanical performance of stainless steel, titanium alloy, cobalt-chromium and NiTi alloy has been compared to fix with parallel fixation in Salter-Harris Type 4 fractures. The best material has been determined under the axial load. 3D model of the parallel fixation has been performed via SolidWorks. Ansys Workbench software was used for numerical analyses. All boundary conditions have defined in finite element analysis (FEA) software. The boundary conditions such as the loading, contact, friction and material model have been determined for FEA. The stress values occurring in the epiphyseal plate of the femur, upper screw and lower screw have been calculated based on von-Mises criteria. At the end of numerical analyses, we have the opinion that, in practice, use of Ti screws in Salter-Harris Type 4 distal femoral fractures will be advantageous.