Finite element analysis of the stability of AO/OTA 43-C1 type distal tibial fractures treated with distal tibia medial anatomic plate versus anterolateral anatomic plate

BACKGROUND: The treatment of a pilon fracture type is possible from a medial, an anterolateral approach or both medial and lateral. The aim of study was compare the stability of two different plate fixation of a tibia pilon AO-43C1 type fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study, three-dimensional finite element stress analysis was applied using isotropic materials and static linear analysis. Loading of 400 N force was applied to the model of a patient fixed in a standing position. In the model, first the fibula was treated by plating and then in one group the pilon fracture was treated by medial plating, and in the other by anterolateral plating. The displacement and stress values of the fragments of the fracture line were compared of the same points in each model. RESULTS: The magnitude of the displacement of fragments in the total displacement magnitudes of X, Y, Z axis were measured in the medial plate and anterolateral plate. The anterolateral plate results were similar to those of the medial plate and the displacement values in the Y axis were determined to be lower than in the medial plate. CONCLUSION: In AO 43 C1 distal tibia fractures, medial or anterolateral plates can be used, and the results of this study showed similar biomechanical stiffness in the two plates.