Application simulation of biocomposite Poly(1,8-octanediol-co-citrate)/hydroxyapatite bone screw with finite element method

A bone fracture is a common result of an accident. In most cases, fractures are treated with fracture fixation devices such as screws and bone plates. Poly(1,8-Octanediol-co-Citrate) (POC) is one of several promising polymer materials to be used as fixation devices. POC is biocompatible, non-toxic, has tunable degradation duration and tunable mechanical properties, and is inexpensive. Another material that can support POC polymer properties is hydroxyapatite (HA), which is biocompatible and bioactive. With its brittle character, HA can support the elastic properties of POC to become harder and stronger thereby increasing their potential to be applied in hard tissue applications. One method for predicting the outcomes of experimental testing and implementation simulations is Finite Element Analysis. On the fracture model of the femur, simulation trials of the application were performed using the POC-HA plate-screw fixation system. Static loading simulations were performed vertically, horizontally, and torsionally. The simulation results of the application of POC-HA on femur fracture show that POC-HA has a pretty decent performance by allowing for micromotion, which can benefit in fracture recovery. The test results in this finite element analysis simulation can demonstrate POC-HA's potential as a fixation device.