Biomechanics characteristics of colles distal radius fracture based on finite element analysis

BACKGROUND: Incidence of distal radius fracture caused by fall in older adults is high in the clinic. Studying the pathogenesis and preventing fracture in view of biomechanics are critical, but is little reported. OBJECTIVE: To explore the biomechanical characteristics of Colles distal radius fracture. METHODS: A healthy male 29-year-old volunteer was selected, and CT scanning of the forearm, wrist and hand was taken. CT data were imported into Mimics 10.01 software to establish the finite element model of distal radius fracture in extended wrist. Palm side of the model was restricted, and imposed a speed load at 2 m/s and vertical direction. Afterwards, the stress distribution on the soft tissues and bones of wrist was observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: A real and effective finite element model of the distal radius fracture in extended wrist was established. After loading, the stress of soft tissues mainly concentrated on the hypothenar of palm and wrist dorsal region. The stress of bones mainly concentrated on the bottom of ulna and radius. Stress on the dorsal radius was largest. The volar stress mainly concentrated on the middle and low segments of ulna and radius and middle of wrist. The stress of ulna and radius was asymmetry. These results can be used for the explaining the mechanism of Colles distal radius fractures and provide the biomechanical basis for the prevention of fall-induced fracture.