Determining biomechanical characteristics of the POLFIX fixation and manipulation system with the use of the finite element method

The paper presents computer simulation results of the stress and strain states in the KoD compression - distraction apparatus and POLFIX fixation and manipulation system. The research has been carried out for models of broken tibial bone stabilized with the use of bridge osteosynthesis. Two options of the distance between bone chips (40 and 70 mm) for the KoD apparatus have been analyzed. The computer model of the POLFIX fixator has represented the two-level osteosynthesis. The finite element method has been employed for determining stress and strain values. The obtained results may be a base for optimisation of geometrical features of the elements included in POLFIX fixation and manipulation system, to ensure the optimum conditions of osteosynthesis.