Journal of long-term effects of medical implants
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J Long Term Eff Med Implants · Jan 2011
Comparative StudyA comparison of the compressive strength of various distal locking screw options in the treatment of tibia fractures with intramedullary nails.
Treatment of distal metaphyseal tibia fractures is often challenging. Newer tibial intramedullary (IM) nails are designed with a wider variety of distal locking options to offer greater stability in treating these fractures. In this study we attempted to determine the most biomechanically stable number and configuration of distal locking screws when treating distal metaphyseal tibia fractures with IM nails. ⋯ The load-carrying capacity of the Group III samples with these locking screws was higher than those of Group I & II, although this difference was not statistically significant. This work is being continued to compare the load-carrying capacity of the bone samples with the cortical thickness of bone. We also plan to examine the relationship between the load-carrying capacity of these surgical constructs with the bone mineral density of the metaphysis of these tibial specimens.
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J Long Term Eff Med Implants · Jan 2011
Comparative StudyFixation of femoral neck fractures using divergent versus parallel cannulated screws.
Controversy exists regarding the optimal method of internal fixation in femoral neck fractures. Biomechanical data suggest that calcar fixation is superior to central screws placement. We propose a divergent technique for placing 3 cannulated stainless steel screws engaging the calcar femorale. ⋯ In conclusion, parallel screw placement is not critical for an excellent clinical outcome. Our proposed fixation method using 3 screws that diverge and lie in different coronal planes (1 engaging the calcar femorale) with a free-hand technique may offer enhanced fixation. Biomechanical data along with larger clinical studies are needed to establish our proposed method.