Finite element analysis of metatarsal deficit and reconstruction using ilium, fibula and scapula

摘要

Objective: To compare the mechanical effects of metatarsal deficit and its reconstruction with ilium, fibula and scapula on foot function using three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis. Methods: Deficits of the first to the third metatarsal bone and the fourth to the fifth metatarsal bone, and their reconstructions with ilium, fibula and scapula, respectively, were simulated by a 3-D foot model. The peak displacement and the peak stress were defined as indexes to estimate foot function. Results: It was found that foot function was affected primarily by the deficit of the first to the third metatarsal bone. In comparison with the intact healthy foot, the peak displacement and the peak stress of the whole deficit of the first to the third metatarsal bone increased by 215 and 212%, respectively, while those of the half deficit increased by 165 and 205%, respectively. For the whole and the half deficit of the fourth to the fifth metatarsal bone, the values of the two indexes increased by 144 and 109%, and 137 and 103%, respectively. After reconstruction, the results showed that the stress-concentrated regions dispersed relatively, especially in heel, metatarsal heads and reconstructive bone block. The maximum displacement and stress of the deficit rebuilt by ilium were the minimums in comparison with the reconstructions with fibula and scapula. Conclusion: The reconstructed multi-metatarsal deficit can be analysed by finite element method. The ilium was the preferred reparation material for the bone deficit.