Load capacity assessment of a braided textile composite bone plate under real-life condition

Abstract

Bone plates are subjected to multi-axial stresses. Braided textile composites are suitable structures under severe load conditions. In this study, a bone plate was assumed to be made up of Bioactive Glass/Poly L-Lactic Acid (BG/PLLA) and analysed using the finite element method. Material properties obtained from our previous work were introduced into the model assuming an orthotropic mechanical behaviour. Combined loading, including tension/ bending, torsion/bending and tension/bending/torsion, was effected into the model. The maximum principal stress theory was used to predict damage onset. Results from linear static analysis showed that the composite was able to properly fix the fractured site under physiological loading conditions. The plate was able to withstand a tension load of about 40 N together with a bending load of about 12 N and torsion of 0.5 N m. Therefore, under multiple loading conditions (real-life situation), it is necessary to control the level of the applied loads until healing.