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In Vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Fracture Configuration on the Mechanical Properties of Standard and Novel Interlocking Nail Systems in Bending
Author(s) -
TING DENNIS,
CABASSU JULIEN B.,
GUILLOU REUNAN P.,
SINNOTT MICHAEL T.,
MEYER ERIC G.,
HAUT ROGER C.,
DÉJARDIN LOÏC M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.2009.00584.x
Subject(s) - interlocking , medicine , nail (fastener) , bending , fracture (geology) , orthodontics , composite material , structural engineering , materials science , engineering
Objective— To investigate the effect of fracture configuration on the mechanical properties of standard interlocking nails (ILNs) and a novel angle‐stable ILN (ILNn) in bending. Study Design— In vitro experimental study. Sample Population— Synthetic tibial gap fracture bone models. Methods— Bone models, featuring a 5 or 120 mm central defect, respectively, mimicking a simple diaphyseal and a comminuted fracture involving both metaphyses, were implanted with 6 or 8 mm screwed or bolted standard ILNs (ILN6s, ILN6b, ILN8s, ILN8b, respectively) or an ILNn. Specimens were tested in 4‐point bending. Construct angular deformation (AD) and slack were statistically compared ( P <.05). Results— With increasing gap size, standard ILN construct AD increased significantly by ∼27% in ILN8b and by up to 105% in ILN6s. Similarly, standard ILN construct slack significantly increased by ∼33% in ILN8b (from ∼4.2° to ∼5.6°) and by up to ∼130% in ILN6s (from ∼7° to ∼16°). Conversely, there was no difference in the ILNn construct AD (∼4°) regardless of gap size. ILNn AD was the lowest of all groups and occurred without slack. Conclusions— This study demonstrated that the angle‐stable ILNn provided construct stability regardless of fracture configuration, whereas the intrinsic slack of standard ILNs could jeopardize construct stability in a fracture configuration involving the metaphyses. Clinical Relevance— Use of standard ILNs may be optimal in diaphyseal fractures where circumferential nail/cortical contact could augment repair stability. Conversely, the angle‐stable ILNn may represent a reliable fracture stabilization method for diaphyseal fractures as well as fractures involving the metaphyseal regions.