Biomechanical Analysis of Clavicle Hook Plates with a Range of Posterior Hook Offsets Implanted at Different Acromion Positions in the Acromioclavicular Joint: A Finite Element Analysis Study

Abstract

The clavicle hook plate is commonly used in acromioclavicular injuries; however, the biomechanical effect of the posterior hook offset and hook position is unclear. This study applied a finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate these parameters to improve the clinical strategy. Nine FEA models with 0-mm, 5-mm, and 10-mm posterior hook offsets implanted in the anterior, middle, and posterior acromion were established to evaluate the stress distribution and the reaction force on the acromion. The 5-mm and 10-mm posterior hook offsets at all acromion positions reduced the reaction force on the acromion but slightly increased the stress on the clavicle. The 0-mm offset increased the reaction force at all acromion positions and was relatively lower at the middle acromion. The clavicle hook plate with a posterior hook offset reduces the reaction force on the acromion, providing a flexibility of the hook position. These results provide surgeons with the biomechanical basis for the hook offset and position and engineers with the mechanical basis for the implant design.

Biomechanical effects of different numbers and locations of screw-in clavicle hook plates

“…In addition, this study mainly simulates the clavicle hook plate implantation when the acromioclavicular ligament and the coracoclavicular ligament have been ruptured, so external force was only applied to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This setting was based on previous research studies (Shih et al, 2015;Lee et al, 2016;Hung et al, 2021). In addition, the scapula model was simplified, so only the acromion was shown.…”