Stress shielding analysis on easy step staple prosthesis for calcaneus fractures.

Abstract

The calcaneus is the most frequently injured tarsal bone, with calcaneal fractures meaning that 60% of the fractures affect the foot and about 1%-2% of all fractures. Two 3D FE model of the foot were realized in order to compare the stress shielding occurring in a health foot and in a fractured one implanted with an easy step prosthesis by Stryker. This dispositive is indicated for calcaneus fractures. Results evidence the efficacy of this kind of prosthesis as the Eq. Von mises stresses are comparable in the two model. Higher concentration of stress are concentered on the Easy step. In conclusion, the easy step staple prosthesis allows obtaining excellent results in terms of calcaneus fracture treatments. The correct implant size for a given patient can be determined by evaluating the patient's height, weight, functional demands and anatomy.