Análise das deformações ósseas da clavícula fraturada fixada com placa e dispositivo intramedular por meio das redes de Bragg em fibras óticas

Abstract

The traditional conservative treatment for fractures of the middle axis of the clavicle presents complications such as non-union, decreased bone length and functional changes, só surgical treatment is suggested in order to minimize these incidents. Currently, there are two types of surgical techniques used to repair fractures of the middle third of the clavicle, fixation using an osteosynthesis plate and an intramedullary device. In order for healing to occur properly, fixators must have adequate rigidity and forces to assist in the fracture healing process, and be strong enough to withstand the peak forces, loads and distribution of these loads. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of the fixation plate and the intramedullary device and to quantify bone deformations through optical fiber Bragg (FBG’s) as sensors. With three synthetic clavicles, one intact and two fractured in the middle axis, one fixed with an osteosynthesis plate and the other fixed with an intramedullary device, experimental tests were performed with a cantilever flexion force of up to 3.92N applied to the lateral extremity and fixed to the medial extremity. After the analysis carried out by the FBG’s sensors and the statistical analysis, the results obtained demonstrate that the fixation plate has greater rigidity compared to the intramedullary device. Different strains behaviors are observed in relation to the anterior, posterior region, and the medial axis of the intact bone and bone fixed by osteosynthesis plate and intramedullary device. The results presented can help to understand the mechanics of the fixators and their relationship with the bone, since each bone has undergone different strains.