Three-dimensional finite element analysis of several internal and external pelvis fixations.

The Finite Element Method (FEM) can be used to analyze very complex geometries, such as the pelvis, and complicated constitutive behaviors, such as the heterogeneous, nonlinear, and anisotropic behavior of bone tissue or the noncompression, nonbending character of ligaments. Here, FEM was used to simulate the mechanical ability of several external and internal fixations that stabilize pelvic ring disruptions. A customized pelvic fracture analysis was performed by computer simulation to determine the best fixation method for each individual treatment. The stability of open-book fractures with external fixations at either the iliac crests or the pelvic equator was similar, and increased greatly when they were used in combination. However, external fixations did not effectively stabilize rotationally and vertically unstable fractures. Adequate stabilization was only achieved using an internal pubis fixation with two sacroiliac screws.