In silico analysis of modular bone plates.

Background: Inventory management or immediate availability of fracture plates can be problematic since for each surgical intervention a specific plate of varying size and functionality must be ordered. Modularization of the standard monolithic plate is proposed to address this issue.

Methods: The effects of four different unit module design parameters (type, degree of modularization, connector screw diameter, sandwich ratio) on the plate bending stiffness and failure are investigated in a finite element four-point-bending analysis.