Basic bioengineering concepts. Concepts in bone performance, failure, and osteosynthesis.

Abstract

The basic concept of engineering applied to the biomechanical performance behavior of solids has been presented. Areas of conceptual disagreement in bone failure loading modes have been indicated and provide an excellent area for continuing investigation by the podiatric surgeon. Special application to bone tissue has been emphasized with several examples of functional loading seen in podiatric performance. The underlying requirements for primary bone union by the production of absolute stability have been discussed and some of the present problems with the use of A-O in podiatric surgery have been suggested.