Numerical investigation of braided structure potential as a cast for femur shaft fracture

Abstract

Femur fractures are repaired using orthopedic implants involving external and internal fixators. Meanwhile, tubular braided structures have not been considered for bone-shaft fracture repair, despite their potential in use as orthopedic casts. This study investigates potential of using bi-axial braided structures as casts for femur diaphysis fracture under bending loads. The braided structure model was developed using a python script while a hollow femur bone shaft was created in a 3D interface using FE Analysis methods in ABAQUS (v17) from a femur bone model rendered using MIMICS from femur bone CT scan. Numerical methods were used to investigate the change in bone shape eccentricity due to bending loads in-terms of load carrying capacity, bone curvature, bending resistance and stresses in the bone shaft. The results portrayed influence of the braided structure in ensuring the stresses due to the bending load are distributed evenly on the femur shaft surface.