A dynamic model of a healing fractured long bone.

Abstract A model consisting of two elastic rods joined by a compliant element capable of bending and shear deformation is presented as a model of a long bone with a healing fracture. Resonant frequencies and mode shapes for a range of element stiffness are presented as well as the acceleration of one end of the model due to a force-time of sin2 ( π 600 × 10 −6 )t variation applied at the other end. Experiments are run with elements of epoxy and urethane rubber and results compared with the theoretical response. The implications of the model behavior to a patient test technique in which the impact response of a healing fractured long bone is used as a measure of the healing state is discussed.