Bending performance prediction of intramedullary nails

Abstract

The design of a trauma implant represents a challenge for manufacturers and mechanical design criteria are necessary to avoid repeated experimental tests. Particularly, the design of intramedullary nails could be optimized on the basis of theoretical evaluation. The goal of the study was to theoretically predict the static performance of six cannulated stainless steel intramedullary nails and compare the predictions with experimental measurements. The predicted values for the bending structural stiffness and the yield moment were determined using formulas of mechanics of materials for bending beams. The experimental data supported the theoretical models for predicting the mechanical performance of intramedullary nails. Basic concepts were introduced to contribute for the understanding of mechanical design criteria of intramedullary nails.