Quantitative assessment of fracture healing using patient-specific CT finite element analysis: A novel approach to external fixation management.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Posttreatment decisions regarding fracture care primarily rely on physicians' subjective judgment based on clinical and imaging findings. This study aimed to evaluate whether patient-specific computed tomography (CT) finite element analysis could allow for the quantitative assessment of fracture site strength as an objective indicator of treatment decisions.

Methods

Our patient was a 37-year-old male who underwent external fixation for an open comminuted tibial fracture of the right lower leg. Monthly CT scans were taken starting 2 months postinjury. Patient-specific CT finite element analysis was used to evaluate weight-bearing capacity both with external fixation and after its removal. Treatment decisions were based on the analysis of the minimum principal strai

SUBMITTER: Matsuura Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12455202 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature