Virtual prototyping of a new intramedullary nail for tibial fractures

Abstract

In this work a new distal interlocking system has been developed which is easy to use, allows a reduction of the operating time and consequently the exposure to radiations both for surgeon and patient. The main goal of this study has been the design of a new intramedullary nail for tibial fractures able to simplify and speed up the distal locking operation phases. After a preliminary stage during which several candidate concepts have been proposed and analysed, the best solution has been developed and deeply investigated. The new system, called "expansion nail", has been firstly modelled by setting up a full parametric CAD model and, then, tested by running non linear FEM analyses to evaluate stresses and stability of the joining during normal working conditions. The new design has shown very high mechanical stability in the axial compression and torsional load cases. Since its very simple self-locking system, the new expansion intramedullary nail would reduce the operating time and the exposure to radiations for the surgeons as well as the patients.