T. Akagi et al., COMPUTER-SIMULATION ANALYSIS OF FRACTURE-DISLOCATION OF THE PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT USING THE FINITE-ELEMENT METHOD, Acta medica Okayama, 48(5), 1994, pp. 263-270
Stress in a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint model was analyzed by
the two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite element methods (FEM
) to study the onset mechanisms of the middle phalangeal base fracture
. The structural shapes were obtained from sagittally sectioned specim
ens of the PIP joint for making FEM models. In those models, four diff
erent material properties were given corresponding to cortical bone, s
ubchondral bone, cancellous bone and cartilage. Loading conditions wer
e determined by estimating the amount and position of axial pressure a
dded to the middle phalanx. A general finite element program (MARC) wa
s used for computer simulation analysis. The results of the fracture e
xperiments compared with the clinical manifestation of the fractures j
ustify the applicability of the computer simulation models using FEM a
nalysis. The stress distribution changed as the angle of the PIP joint
changed. Concentrated stress was found on the volar side of the middl
e phalangeal base in the hyperextension position, and was found on the
dorsal side in the flexion position. In the neutral position, the str
ess was found on both sides. Axial stress on the middle phalanx causes
three different types of fractures (volar, dorsal and both) depending
upon the angle of the PIP joint. These results demonstrate that the t
ype of PIP joint fracture dislocation depends on the angle of the join
t at the time of injury. The finite element method is one of the most
useful methods for analyzing the onset mechanism of fractures.