Estimating micromotion in distal femur fracture reconstructions: a lightweight computational framework

Controlled micromotion between bone fragments is a vital component of fracture healing. Distal femur fractures are stabilized using locking plates and the functional stiffness of this construct is sensitive to implant geometry, material, and bridge span (the distance between screws crossing the fracture line). Loads applied to the implant are directly affected by the location of the fracture along the femur. This paper outlines a lightweight computational modeling technique that estimates implant deflection during gait. The algorithm accounts for changes in fracture location, bridge span, and material properties of the implant. Preoperative utilization of this modeling paradigm could potentially improve a surgeon’s “best guess” to optimize the mechanical environment for callus formation to occur.