Finite element analysis of the osseointegration process in compression osteosynthesis plates

Musculoskeletal injuries are a leading cause of disability worldwide. Orthopedic surgery commonly employs osteosynthetic devices, such as compression plates, which require proper osseointegration for successful outcomes. Although titanium and its alloys are widely used for their mechanical strength and biocompatibility, limited osseointegration can result in clinical complications and require surgical reintervention. In this study, an integrated computational model combining finite element analysis in COMSOL with a biological module in MATLAB was developed to simulate the osseointegration process in titanium compression plates. The model enabled the assessment of how plate geometry and mechanical stress distribution directly influence cellular responses at the fracture site. Results revealed localized compressive stresses along the fracture line, with a maximum value of 140 MPa. This stress promoted bone formation by day 40, with complete consolidation occurring around day 100. These findings suggest that the proposed model can serve as a predictive tool for optimizing osteosynthesis material design and improving clinical outcomes, with applications in the development of next-generation implants.