Flexural and torsional properties of a glass fiber-reinforced composite diaphyseal bone model with multidirectional fiber orientation

Although widely used, metallic implants have certain drawbacks in reconstructive bone surgery. Their high stiffness in respect to cortical bone can lead to complications which include periprosthetic fractures and aseptic loosening. In contrast to metallic alloys, fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) composed of a thermoset polymer matrix reinforced with continuous E-glass fibers have elastic properties matching those of bone. We investigated the mechanical properties of straight FRC tubes and FRC bone models representing the diaphysis of rabbit femur prepared from glass fiber/bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) - triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) composite in three-point bending and torsion. Three groups of straight FRC tubes with different fiber orientations were mechanically tested to determine the best design for the FRC bone model. Tube 1 consisted most axially oriented unidirectional fiber roving and fewest bidirectional fiber sleevings. Fiber composition of tube 3 was the opposite. Tube 2 had moderate composition of both fiber types. Tube 2 resisted highest stresses in the mechanical tests and its fiber composition was selected for the FRC bone model. FRC bone model specimens were then prepared and the mechanical properties were compared with those of cadaver rabbit femora. In three-point bending, FRC bone models resisted 39-54% higher maximum load than rabbit femora with similar flexural stiffness. In torsion, FRC bone models resisted 31% higher maximum torque (p < 0.001) and were 38% more rigid (p = 0.001) than rabbit femora. Glass fiber-reinforced composites have good biocompatibility and from a biomechanical perspective, they could be used even in reconstruction of segmental diaphyseal defects. Development of an implant applicable for clinical use requires further studies.