Biomechanical Basis of Bone Fracture and Fracture Osteosynthesis in Small Animals

Abstract

The mastery of concepts related to biomechanics in bone fracture is crucial for the surgical success of osteosynthesis. The understanding of the basics of bone fracture is a skill fundamental to the choice of the correct method of osteosynthesis. Deep knowledge of implants, namely, their mechanic characteristics, and the correct technical use following the recommended guidelines for each type are crucial factors to decrease surgical failure and complications rate. This chapter reviews the biomechan-ical parameters of fracture repair that influence construct stiffness and strength. The authors also provided practical examples of the biomechanics concepts applied in clinical practice during this chapter. Metal alloys used in orthopedic implants are also fundamentally reviewed in their physical properties during this chapter. Fracture patterns vary hugely among patients and contributed to the difficult understanding of forces acting in fracture lines. However, fracture biomechanics basic knowledge and how osteosynthesis methods counteract the forces acting on fractures are key to surgical success.