Biomechanics of Osteoporotic Fracture Fixation

Osteoporotic fractures are challenging to treat, as poor bone strength can prevent fixation devices from firmly holding bone tissue in position during surgery and subsequent recovery. Surgeons are more likely to achieve maximal stability of such fractures if they understand the changes to bone strength and morphology that occur due to osteoporosis as well as the biomechanical principles that underlie the designs of commonly used fracture fixation devices. We discuss both topics in the following chapter, which provides an in-depth analysis of the principles of load-bearing and load-sharing in fractures fixed with either plates or intramedullary nails. The objective of this chapter is to aid in the development of surgical strategies for enhancing fracture fixation in osteoporotic bone tissue.