Biomechanical analysis of a novel bridging plate for treating Rockwood III acromioclavicular joint dislocation

doi:10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2025.05.24

Abstract

Abstract:

Objective To assess the biomechanical performance of a novel bridging plate for treating Rockwood III acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Methods A novel bridging plate structure was designed based on CT data from a patient with Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint dislocation, and a finite element model of the bridging plate-acromioclavicular joint interaction was constructed. The stress and deformation characteristics and biomechanical compatibility of the plate under post-reduction, normal loading, and impact loading conditions were analyzed to evaluate its fixation mechanism and clinical advantages. Results The stiffness of the bridging system was 27.78 N/mm, close to that of acromioclavicular joint ligaments (26.05 N/mm) and meeting the requirements for flexible deformation. Under normal loading, the maximum stress in the bridging system was 88.29 MPa to sustain physiological activities; under impact loading, the maximum stress reached 480 MPa, and the cable underwent plastic deformation to dissipate energy and effectively buffer local stress concentrations, thereby reducing the risk of rigid bone fractures. The high-stress regions in the bone primarily occurred at the edges of the C1-C4 screw holes. The maximum bone stress was 0.762 MPa under normal loading and 5.963 MPa under impact loading, accounting for 2.86% and 1.66% of the corresponding bolt stresses, respectively. Conclusion The novel bridging plate is better adapted to biomechanical characteristics of the acromioclavicular joint compared to traditional internal fixation. This fixation system provides sufficient stability while allowing physiological micromotion to facilitate postoperative rehabilitation. Significant flexible deformation can occur at the connection between the fixation ring and the cable, and brittle materials should not be used in this region. The issue of stress concentration at the C1-C4 screw holes requires special attention in its clinical application.

Key words: acromioclavicular dislocation, new acromioclavicular joint plate, finite element model, biomechanical property, fixed mechanism

Yancai CHEN, Gaofeng ZHANG, Shubo LI, Nianxiang LUO, Yi ZHANG. Biomechanical analysis of a novel bridging plate for treating Rockwood III acromioclavicular joint dislocation[J]. Journal of Southern Medical University, 2025, 45(5): 1103-1112.

Figures/Tables 15

Fig.1 Rockwood type III acromioclavicular dislocation. A: Ligament fracture of Rockwood type III (Created with BioRender.com). B: CT scan.

Fig.2 Structural system of the new acromioclavicular joint plate.

Fig.3 Three-dimensional finite element model of the bridging plate.

Tab.1 Mechanical properties of each component in the FEA model

Mechanical properties materials	Density $ρ$ /(kg/m³)	Elastic modulus $E$ /MPa	Poission ratio $υ$ /1
Acromioclavicular bones	1500	11000	0.3
Titanium alloy plate	4510	118000	0.34
Wire rope	2800	103000	0.33
Bolt	7110	200000	0.27

Tab.1 Mechanical properties of each component in the FEA model

Mechanical properties materials	Density $ρ$ /(kg/m³)	Elastic modulus $E$ /MPa	Poission ratio $υ$ /1
Acromioclavicular bones	1500	11000	0.3
Titanium alloy plate	4510	118000	0.34
Wire rope	2800	103000	0.33
Bolt	7110	200000	0.27

Fig.5 Stress-strain curve of materials.

Fig.6 State of stress.

Fig.7 Stress nephogram of postoperative reduction.

Fig.8 Postoperative displacement of the bridging plate.

Fig.9 Stress nephogram of interaction. A:　General static loading; B:　Impact loading.

Fig.10 Plastic yield zone of steel cables.

Fig.11 Stress nephogram of each component. A:　General static loading; B: Impact loading.

Fig.12 Numbers of bolts and cables.

Fig.13 Stress distribution law of bolts. A.　General static loading; B.　Impact loading.

Fig.14 Stress distribution law of steel cables. A: General static loading; B:　Impact loading.

Fig.15 Bending displacement of steel cables. A: General static loading; B:　Impact loading.

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