Finite Element Analysis of Axial Screw Retention in Non-homogeneous Bone

Michael Harper
Temple University, USA

Finite element simulations were preformed to investigate the effects of individual design variables on the retention strength and compared to numerical analysis. Varied design parameters include major diameter, screw pitch, and overall length of insertion. A total of four screws were modeled and tested, comparing each set of data to the control and their numerical results. The bone was modeled as a cancellous bone core with a shell of cortical bone. These models were also used to simulate the effects of screw loosening due to lateral forces applied to the bolt head. An analysis of the effects of screw design variation was also conducted.