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Biomechanical model of distal articular humeral fractures—influence of bone density on the fracture threshold

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Abstract

Introduction

Working hypothesis: The distal humeral bone density influences supracondylar fracture threshold. The aim of this study was first to develop a reproducible model of intra-articular distal humeral fractures and second to establish a relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and the fracture threshold of the humerus.

Materials and methods

An original model of the fracture was developed using ten sawbones. After obtaining a reproducible and clinically relevant fracture model, we tested 21 cadaveric distal humeri for which the BMD was known with a stainless-steel custom-made proximal ulna jig. Fractures were created using a servo hydraulic-testing machine in axial compression to simulate a fall onto an outstretched hand. Fracture lines, load to failure, and rigidity of the bone were recorded based on the stress-strain curves.

Results

The fracture generation was reliable, reproducible, and clinically relevant (type B2). A significant correlation between the BMD and the fracture threshold was found. Mean threshold was 901.86 N/m2. Mean distal humerus BMD was 0.9097 g/cm2 (r = 0.7321).

Conclusions

We developed a reproducible articular fracture of the distal humerus model and found a correlation between the fracture threshold and bone mineral density.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CHU Maison Blanche, 45 Rue Cognacq Jay, 51092, Reims, France

    Axel Marcoin

  2. CHU Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France

    David Eichler

  3. Shoulder and Elbow Department, CCOM-CHU Strasbourg, 10 avenue Achille Baumann, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France

    Jean-François Kempf

  4. Laboratoire iCube-GEBOAS, CNRS UMR 7357, Equipe 12 Matériaux Multi-échelles et Biomécanique, Institut d’Anatomie Normale, Faculté de médecine, 67085, Strasbourg, France

    Philippe Clavert

Authors
  1. Axel Marcoin
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  2. David Eichler
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  3. Jean-François Kempf
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  4. Philippe Clavert
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Correspondence to Philippe Clavert.

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Marcoin, A., Eichler, D., Kempf, JF. et al. Biomechanical model of distal articular humeral fractures—influence of bone density on the fracture threshold. International Orthopaedics (SICOT) 44, 1385–1389 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04624-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-020-04624-8

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