Strength analyses of screws for femoral neck fractures

Abstract

This article represents a multidisciplinary approach to biomechanics (engineering + medicine) in the field of "collum femoris" fractures. One possible treatment method for femoral neck fractures, especially for young people, is the application of cancellous (i.e. lag or femoral) screws (with full or cannulated cross-section) made of Ti6Al4V or stainless steel. This paper therefore aims to offer our own numerical model of cancellous screws together with an assessment of them. The new, simple numerical model presented here is derived together with inputs and boundary conditions and is characterized by rapid solution. The model is based on the theory of beams on an elastic foundation and on 2nd order theory (set of three differential 4th order equations, combination of pressure and bending stress-deformation states). It presents the process for calculating displacements, slopes, bending moments, stresses etc. Two examples (i.e. combinations of cancellous screws with full or cannulated cross-section made of stainless steel or Ti6Al4V material) are presented and evaluated (i.e. their displacement, slopes, bending moments, normal forces, shearing forces and stresses). Future developments and other applications are also proposed and mentioned.