Finite Element Analysis of Positioning of Pin in Lapidus Procedure

A finite element analysis was carried out to determine the optimum pin placement with the application of mini fixator in Lapidus procedure. Various parameters were considered for analysis like pin diameter, distance from fracture site, number of pins, distance of the rail from the fracture site, effect of width and length of the rail on gap closing, angle of fracture and pin angle. FEMLAB 2.3 is used for both modeling and analysis. A 2D model is constructed with the bone joint consisting of first metatarsal and cuneiform along with the fixation device. The dimensions of the model are taken similar to a prototype model of the foot and mini fixation device. Simple Static analysis is done as a beginning case which will be later developed to dynamic case.