3D finite element analysis of the gamma nail and dhs plate in trochanteric hip fractures.

Seral, B; Garca, J M; Cegoino, J; Doblare, M; Seral, F · Hip Int · 2004

biomechanical · Level V

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Abstract

The finite element method (FEM) was used to evaluate the short-term mechanical stability of trochanteric fractures treated by two types of implants: the Gamma" nail (Howmedica) and the Dynamic Hip Screw, DHS" (Synthes). The displacement and stress distributions of bone and implants were computed using a complete 3D FE model. The main conclusion is that proximal stable femoral fractures can be treated correctly with the Gamma Nail and DHS. For unstable fractures, the Gamma Nail achieves good stabilization but DHS is insufficient and requires a static screw due to the lack of torsional stiffness. Both extramedullary and intramedullary systems were found to distort the load transmission with respect to the anatomic pattern, so they both have biomechanical limitations in the long-term. (Hip International 2004; 14: 18-23)NO PDF AVAILABLE!

Anatomy