Evaluation of Bone Consolidation in External Fixation with an Electromechanical System

The monitoring of fracture or osteotomy healing is vital for orthopedists to help advise, if necessary, secondary treatments improving outcomes and minimizing patient suffering. It has been decades since stiffness identified as one main parameter quantify qualify the outcome a regenerated callus. Still, radiographic imaging remains current standard diagnostic technique orthopedists. Hence, with recent technological advancements, engineers need use new branches knowledge improve innovate technologies. An electromechanical system was developed diagnose changes in treated external fixator LRS Orthofix®. concept evaluated experimentally numerically during simulation using two different models: simplified model human tibia, consisting nylon bar diameter 30 mm, synthetic tibia anatomical from fourth-generation Sawbones®. Moreover, Sawbones® blocks densities simulated mechanical characteristics bone many stages callus growth. experimental measurements were compared results. For this fixator, it possible show that displacement always lower than prescribed elongator. Nevertheless, relationship established between energy consumption by used perform stimulus degree consolidation. technology may lead methodologies stimulation regenerating bone, which will play relevant role bedridden individuals mobility limitations.