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Basic Science
intermediate
X-Type

Implant and Fracture Biomechanics - Principles of Fixation

Biomechanics

A trainee is asked about the biomechanics of fracture fixation during a basic science viva examination. The examiner presents a case of a comminuted tibial shaft fracture in a 35-year-old and asks about the principles of bridge plating, stress shielding, and working length of constructs. Regarding implant and fracture biomechanics:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

Doubling the diameter of a plate increases strength 4-fold and stiffness (rigidity) 8-fold; torsiona...

B

Working length is the distance between the nearest screws on each side of the fracture; increasing w...

C

Stress shielding occurs when bone bears all the load and the implant becomes mechanically redundant;...

D

Stress shielding occurs when the implant bears the majority of load (50-80% with rigid plates), caus...

E

The AO principles of fracture fixation (FREP) include: anatomic or relative Fracture reduction, Rigi...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option