Finite Element Analysis of Cannulated Screws as Prophylactic Intervention of Hip Fractures
The frequency of hip fractures, a major cause of morbidity and mortality for geriatric patients, is expected to increase exponentially in the next few decades. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of stainless-steel cannulated screws to reduce the risk of a femoral neck fracture, if placed prophylactically prior to a fall.
The authors created finite element models from computed tomography (CT) scan-based 3D models of a geriatric patient through 3D-image processing and model generation software. Researchers used linear finite element simulations to analyze the effect of cannulated screws in the proximal femur in single-leg stance and lateral fall, which were processed for peak von Mises stresses and element failure.
