Finite element analysis of fractured finger with implant fixation using MIMICS

Abstract

Arthrodesis and arthroplasty are two surgical options for the treatment of metacarpophalangeal joint disease or injuries. Arthrodesis is a fusion of the two bones which will restrict the joint range of motion. Arthroplasty involves replacing the diseased joint with a prosthesis which is preferable to arthrodesis due to the restoration of normal joint function. In arthroplasty, a hinged prosthesis is inserted between the metacarpal and the first phalanx. Implants made were introduced to allow maximum joint flexibility and reduce joint pain effectively. Surgical treatment of Metacarpophalangeal joint fracture use prosthesis for the joint replacement. Even though mobility is restored to the joint, there have been reports of complications associated with implant instability and wear. In this study prostheses for metacarpophalangeal joint replacement have to be designed and analyzed the stability of the implant using 3Dimensional Finite Element Analysis. Different load conditions were given to analyze the stress developed, using ANSYS. Computed tomography data of the middle finger was used to construct the joint and a load was applied to the proximal interphalangeal joint to simulate flexion. CT data of the fractured finger is imported into MIMICS software. Using the tools in Mimics software segmentation of the finger can be performed. Design a suitable Swanson implant for the metacarpophalangeal fracture using Autodesk Inventor software. Fixation of the implant to the fracture location was performed using MIMICS so as to reduce the number of triangles and imported to ANSYS software for the analysis and this can be performed by giving different load conditions. Compare the FEA of normal finger with the implant fixed finger.