Biomechanical analysis of fracture risk associated with tibia deformity in children with osteogenesis imperfecta: a finite element analysis

Objectives: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) frequently leads to long-bone bowing requiring a surgical intervention in severe cases to avoid subsequent fractures. However, there are no objective criteria to decide when to perform such intervention. The objective is to develop a finite element model to predict the risk of tibial fracture associated with tibia deformity in patients with OI. Methods: A comprehensive FE model of the tibia was adapted to match bi-planar radiographs of a 7 year-old girl with OI. Ten additional models with different deformed geometries (from 2 degrees to 24 degrees) were created and the elasto-plastic mechanical properties were adapted to reflect OI conditions. Loads were obtained from mechanography of two-legged hopping. Two additional impact cases (lateral and torsion) were also simulated. Principal strain levels were used to define a risk criterion. Results: Fracture risks for the two-legged hopping load case remained low and constant until tibia bowing reached 15 degrees and 16 degrees in sagittal and coronal planes respectively. Fracture risks for lateral and torsion impact were equivalent whatever the level of tibial bowing. Conclusions: The finite element model of OI tibia provides an objective means of assessing the necessity of surgical intervention for a given level of tibia bowing in OI-affected children.