Optimal Configuration of Uniplanar-Unilateral External Fixators in Tibia Fractures
The use of external fixation devices in orthopedic surgery is very common in open tibial fractures. There are several hypotheses of the structure configuration: uniplanar-unilateral; uniplanar-bilateral; biplanar and multiplanar. The stability on the focu
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Optimal Configuration of Uniplanar-Unilateral External Fixators in Tibia Fractures Luis Roseiro and Augusta Neto
Abstract The use of external fixation devices in orthopedic surgery is very common in open tibial fractures. There are several hypotheses of the structure configuration: uniplanar-unilateral; uniplanar-bilateral; biplanar and multiplanar. The stability on the focus of the fracture is also related to the type of configuration of the external fixators. The unilateral-uniplanar configuration was considered in this study. A simplified finite element model for the tibia and external fixator was developed in order to determine the stiffness in the focus of the fracture. A genetic algorithm was defined to minimize the displacement of the fracture focus (objective function), varying the positions of the mechanical components of the external fixator. Different types of loading were studied and the obtained results are presented and discussed.
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Introduction
The bone fracture can be defined as a situation in which there is loss of bone continuity in addition to a bone separation into several fragments. Its seriousness can vary. Some spontaneous factures can be treated without even ever being diagnosed, whereas others require urgent medical treatment. Due to the implications for citizens, fracture treatments have and will continue to have enormous socioeconomic consequences. In fact, although the curing process of a fracture is a phenomenon with biological features, it is directly related to medical treatment carried out,
L. Roseiro (*) Mechanical Engineering Department, Coimbra Institute of Engineering, Rua Pedro Nunes – Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal e-mail: [email protected] A. Neto Mechanical Engineering Department – Polo II, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Coimbra, Rua LR Santos – Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal e-mail: [email protected] A. Madureira et al. (eds.), Computational Intelligence and Decision Making: Trends and 461 Applications, Intelligent Systems, Control and Automation: Science and Engineering 61, DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-4722-7_43, # Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013
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L. Roseiro and A. Neto
namely how rapid the bone can heal, and then the so-called bone callus, and return to normality. It is the bone callus that re-establishes integrity, continuity and stiffness of the bone member, enabling a return to normality. Usually, fixation of the bone or bone fragments is the most suitable technique to ensure necessary stability for the treatment of fractures, which can be done internally or through external fixation systems. The choice of stability methodology of fractures depends on the type of fracture and the available means for treatment. The external fixtures are systems that combine advantages of low cost and easy application, with the possibility to access soft tissues. These consist of an assembly of several mechanical components so as to maintain stability and stiffness of the bone structure. The fixators are attached to
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