Finite element analysis of talar ischemic necrosis / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Precise clinical treatment of talar ischemic necrosis remains controversial at present.OBJECTIVE: To observe the changes in the stress and its distribution on talar trochlear articular surface in case of talar necrosis at different levels.METHODS: The present study adopted eight ankle specimens to establish the three-dimensional finite element model of ankle. Through changes in the talar necrosis volume of these models, this study analyzed the change law of talar trochlear articular surface stress and its distribution and calculated the critical necrosis volume of traumatic foot and ankle arthritis or talar collapse that may be induced by talar ischemic necrosis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The experiment successfully established the three-dimensional finite element model of ankle. This study found that talar trochlear articular surface stress distribution showed little change in case of talar medial and lateral necrosis at a lower level; when medial talar necrosis volume reached (26.6±1.5)%, and lateral talar necrosis volume reached (35.0±2.5)%. Stress concentration phenomenon occurred in the boundary area between talar necrosis tissue and normal osseous tissue, and the stress area took the shape of irregular pattern. It is suggested that surgical treatment should be considered due to the high-risk induction of ankle-foot traumatic arthritis or talar collapse.