Stiffness Characteristics of Joshi’s External Stabilization System under Axial Compression: a Finite Element Method Based Study

A finite element model of fractured tibia with Joshi’s External Stabilizing System (JESS) mounted on it was developed using 3D beam elements in the ANSYS software. The model was loaded in axial compression and the average axial stiffness of the model was calculated. The analytical value of axial stiffness was compared with reported experimental value to validate the finite element model. The validated model was used to carry out parametric studies on the model to determine the axial properties of JESS. It was observed that axial stiffness of JESS increased by 58% when k-wire diameter was varied from 2 mm to 4 mm while keeping other geometric configurations of the device constant; however, the axial stiffness of the device does not show any significant improvement when the diameter of medio-lateral pins in diaphyseal hold were increased. The findings should help in understanding the axial properties of JESS so that it can be used judiciously in clinical applications.