Mechanical analysis of the femoral neck dynamic intersection system with different nail angles and clinical applications

BACKGROUND: The femoral neck dynamic intersection system (FNS) is mechanically more stable than other internal fixation techniques. Current studies have confirmed that the structural design of FNS has good biomechanical properties in European and American populations. However, whether the suitability of the FNS's 130° main nail angle design for Asian populations has been thoroughly investigated remains unclear. AIM: To compare the biomechanical stability differences among different main nail angles of the FNS in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in Asian populations. METHODS: Computed tomography data of the femur of healthy adult male volunteers were imported into Mimics software to create a three-dimensional model of the femur. The model was adapted to the curve using Geomagic software and imported into Solidworks software to construct the Pauwels I femoral neck fracture model and design the FNS internal fixation model using different main nail angles. Afterward, the models were assembled with the FNS fracture model and meshed using the preprocessing Hypermesh software. Subsequently, they were imported into Abaqus software to analyze and evaluate the biomechanical effects of different angles of the FNS main nail on the treatment of femoral neck fractures. RESULTS: The peak displacement of the proximal femur under different angles of FNS fixation under stress was 7.446 millimeters in the 120° group and 7.416 millimeters in the 125° group; in the 130°, 135°, and 140° FNS fixation groups, the peak displacement was 7.324 millimeters, 8.138 millimeters, and 8.246 millimeters, respectively. In the 120° and 125° FNS fixation groups, the maximum stresses were concentrated at the main nail and the anti-rotation screw, which intersected the fracture line of the femur neck, resulting in peak stresses of 200.7 MPa and 138.8 MPa, respectively. Peak stresses of 208.8 MPa, 219.8 MPa, and 239.3 MPa were observed on the angular locking plate distal to the locking screw in the 130°, 135°, and 140° fixation groups. CONCLUSION: FNS has significant stress distribution properties, a minimal proximal femoral displacement, and an optimal stability for treating femoral neck fractures in Asian populations when performed with a 130° main nail angle.