Comparison of biomechanical characteristics in treatment of distal humerus fracture using different fixation plates: A finite element study.

With the development of digital technology of orthopedics, personalized plate has been applied to treat different kinds of fractures. However, no studies of personalized implants in the treatment of distal humeral fractures have been reported. Therefore, we design a personalized anatomical locking plate (DPALP) to treat distal humerus fracture of adult. The model of humerus and personalized plate and traditional Y-shaped compression plate (YCP) was built and analyzed by finite element method. We found that peak value of stress of humerus fixed by YCP is higher than that of DPALP, and the peak value of stress of screws used in DPALP group is higher than that of YCP. Meanwhile, peak of displacement of YCP is higher than that of DPALP, and the peak value of displacement of humerus bone is higher than that of YCP. The patient with DPALP had a good clinical outcome (83) evaluated with Broberg and Morrey Score. Our results show that DPALP and YCP could get similar mechanical and clinical results for distal humorous intra-articular fractures, and stress distribution of DPALP group is more balanced, and it takes less time in the operation. Furthermore, DPALP can perfectly fit the humeri and achieve the anatomical reduction. In general, DPALP is more suitable for patients with intra-articular complicated fractures. Our findings will benefit clinicians treating distal humeral fractures and provide an alternative option.