Biomechanics of the fracture fixation

Abstract

Biomechanical factors is an important aspect that affects bone healing directly. Although some biologic etiologies of fixation failure can be directly affected by the physician, there are only minimally under the surgeon’s control. The surgeon should do their best to preserve soft tissue, vessel, and the zone of injury. Skillful surgical technique, tight wound closure, and appropriate antibiotic therapy could decrease the risk of infection and reduce the risk of fixation failure. If failure occurs suddenly or prior to the expected time when fracture healing would occur, a mechanical issue is usually the primary cause. Biomechanics study the role of force and energy in biological systems. The fracture fixation should follow the principle of biomechanics. Excessive stress concentration and fatigue, leading to increased pressure load and bending load, results in internal fixation failure. Understanding the biomechanical principles underlying stable fixation and failure fixation could help the surgeon determine the appropriate investigation and intervention. Appropriate biomechanical fixation technology will promote fracture healing, accelerate rehabilitation of patients, and reduce nonunion of fracture. Biomechanical study can help the design of the internal fixation and also plays an important role on the improved clinical effects; furthermore, it will help clinicians to choose reasonable diagnosis and treatment strategies.