后凸成形和传统钉道骨水泥强化对骶骨钉松动的生物力学作用（英文）

背景：后凸成形骨水泥强化可应用于骨质疏松患者的腰椎椎弓根钉固定。目的：评价松动的骶骨钉经后凸成形和传统钉道骨水泥强化后的固定强度。方法：纳入9具骨质疏松症患者的新鲜尸体标本。在同一骶骨标本上,分别测试单皮质和双皮质骶骨椎弓根钉最大拔出力后,分别建立传统钉道骨水泥强化与后凸成形骨水泥强化椎弓根钉固定模型。在MTS材料试验机上,对螺钉尾部施加2 000次周期性压力载荷后,进行螺钉最大拔出力测试。结果与结论：9个标本的骨密度均值为0.71 g/cm2（0.61～0.77 g/cm2）。4种骶骨钉固定技术单皮质、双皮质、传统钉道骨水泥强化和后凸成形骨水泥强化骶骨钉的平均最大拔出力分别为203,325,437及565 N。双皮质骶骨钉的拔出力显著高于单皮质钉（P〈0.05）;但此2固定均显著低于骨水泥强化组（P〈0.05）。后凸成形骨水泥强化组的拔出力显著高于传统钉道骨水泥强化组（P〈0.05）。此外,4种骶骨钉固定技术的最大拔出力与骨密度值均呈现显著的正相关（P〈0.05）。结果证实,传统钉道骨水泥强化技术和后凸成形骨水泥强化技术均可做为骶骨椎弓根钉松动的补救手段,但后凸成形骨水泥强化可获得更为坚强的锚定。     

Screw insertion torque as parameter to judge the fixation. Assessment of torque and pull-out strength in different bone densities and screw-pitches

BackgroundPull-out strength is a critical parameter to judge screw fixation in orthopaedic implants. However, the insertion torque is the main feeling in the hand of a surgeon relating to the strength of synthesis. The correlation between pull-out strength and torque is not completely understood. This creates uncertainty about the key-question: Should the torque be considered a valid parameter to judge the quality of fixation?MethodsUsing the ASTM F543 as reference, three screws differing only in pitch (1.5, 2.1, 2.8 mm pitches) were tested in three foam-block densities (10, 15, and 20 pcf). The correlation was investigated by assessing the role of density and screw geometry.FindingsTorque was related to pull-out strength in all configurations (R = 0.979, P = 0.000). No difference in pull-out strength was found when screws were tightened to a range of 71.6%, SD = 7.6, of torque to fail (P > 0.05). Torque and pull-out strength were stratified according to density that influenced the two parameters up to 524% (P < 0.000). Pitch determined pull-out strength up to 33% (P < 0.000) while the 2.1 mm screw pitch showed the highest pull-out strength and torque in all configurations.InterpretationInsertion torque was demonstrated to be a valid parameter to judge the quality of bone under fixation and therefore, the strength of the synthesis. Surgeons should not tighten the screws to values approaching torque to fail to obtain the highest pull-out strength. Density was the main factor influencing pull-out strength and torque. Pitch is another parameter deciding screw holding capacity.     

Biplanar fixation of a locking plate in the diaphysis improves construct strength

Background

Elevation of a locking plate over the bone surface not only supports biological fixation, but also decreases the torsional strength of the fixation construct. Biplanar fixation by means of a staggered screw hole arrangement may combat this decreased torsional strength caused by plate elevation. This biomechanical study evaluated the effect of biplanar fixation on the torsional strength of locking plate fixation in the femoral diaphysis.

Methods

Custom titanium plates were manufactured with either a linear or staggered hole pattern to evaluate planar and biplanar fixation, respectively. Fixation strength under torsional loading was evaluated in surrogates of the femoral diaphysis representative of osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic bone. Furthermore, fixation strength was determined for plate fixation with unicortical or bicortical locking screws. Five specimens per configuration were loaded to failure in torsion to determine their strength, stiffness, and failure mode.

Findings

In osteoporotic bone, biplanar fixation was 32% stronger (P = 0.01) than planar fixation when unicortical screws were used and 9% stronger (P = 0.02) when bicortical screws were used. In non-osteoporotic bone, biplanar fixation was 55% stronger (P < 0.001) than planar fixation when unicortical screws were used and 42% (P < 0.001) stronger when bicortical screws were used.

Interpretation

A biplanar screw configuration improves the torsional strength of diaphyseal plate fixation relative to a planar configuration in both osteoporotic and normal bone. With biplanar fixation, unicortical screws provide the same fixation strength as bicortical screws in non-osteoporotic bone.     

后凸成形和传统钉道骨水泥强化对骶骨钉松动的生物力学作用(英文)

背景:后凸成形骨水泥强化可应用于骨质疏松患者的腰椎椎弓根钉固定。目的:评价松动的骶骨钉经后凸成形和传统钉道骨水泥强化后的固定强度。方法:纳入9具骨质疏松症患者的新鲜尸体标本。在同一骶骨标本上,分别测试单皮质和双皮质骶骨椎弓根钉最大拔出力后,分别建立传统钉道骨水泥强化与后凸成形骨水泥强化椎弓根钉固定模型。在MTS材料试验机上,对螺钉尾部施加2 000次周期性压力载荷后,进行螺钉最大拔出力测试。结果与结论:9个标本的骨密度均值为0.71 g/cm2(0.61～0.77 g/cm2)。4种骶骨钉固定技术单皮质、双皮质、传统钉道骨水泥强化和后凸成形骨水泥强化骶骨钉的平均最大拔出力分别为203,325,437及565 N。双皮质骶骨钉的拔出力显著高于单皮质钉(P<0.05);但此2固定均显著低于骨水泥强化组(P<0.05)。后凸成形骨水泥强化组的拔出力显著高于传统钉道骨水泥强化组(P<0.05)。此外,4种骶骨钉固定技术的最大拔出力与骨密度值均呈现显著的正相关(P<0.05)。结果证实,传统钉道骨水泥强化技术和后凸成形骨水泥强化技术均可做为骶骨椎弓根钉松动的补救手段,但后凸成形骨水泥强化可获得更为坚强的锚定。     

Probe versus drill: A biomechanical evaluation of two different pedicle preparation techniques for pedicle screw fixation in human cadaveric osteoporotic spine

BackgroundAim of this biomechanical study was to investigate the anchorage of pedicle screws in osteoporotic vertebrae using two different preparation techniques (probe versus drill-assisted).MethodsTwelve thoracic vertebrae were used for the study. The right and left pedicles of the vertebra were prepared with a thoracic probe or a 3.2 mm drill bit and divided into two groups. A standard titanium (diameter: 5.5 mm, length: 45 mm) pedicle screw was then inserted. All pedicle screws were initially loaded with −25 N to +25 N in the cranio-caudal direction. The load was increased by 5 N every 500 cycles up to a maximum load of 10,000 cycles. Loosening was defined as a displacement of the pedicle screw head of >5 mm. The two groups were compared in terms of maximum number of cycles and maximum force until loosening.FindingsThe pedicle screws prepared with the thoracic probe failed on average after 3819 cycles (SD 3281) and the pedicle screws prepared with the 3.2 mm drill after 3335 cycles (SD 3477). There was no significant difference between the two preparation techniques (P = .797). With regard to the maximum force until loosening, there was also no significant difference between the two techniques (thoracic probe: 61 N (SD 33), 3.2 mm drill bit: 56 N (SD 34), P = .791).InterpretationPreparation of the pedicle screw hole either with a probe or drill bit doesn't seem to have an influence on pedicle screw loosening rates in the osteoporotic spine.     

Biomechanical analysis of the durability of a modified S1 vertebrae transpedicular screws insertion technique

BackgroundOne of the most important elements of the transpedicular screw implantation technique, which enables a strong screw-bone interface, is the precise choice of the site of screw insertion and the screw's trajectory. Due to the complex biomechanics of the lumbosacral interface and different shape of the sacrum, fixation of this segment remains a challenge for surgeons. Because of this, Kubaszewski et al. proposed a modified technique in which the entry point for screw insertion in the S1 vertebra is changed.MethodsSix human cadaver specimens of the S1 vertebrae were examined. Two transpedicular screws were inserted into the body of each examined vertebra using two implantation methods with different screw entry points and trajectories. The screws were subjected to cyclic preloading, followed by the pull-out test. The ultimate pull-out force, displacement, stiffness, and failure energy were measured.FindingsThe average pull-out force obtained for the standard method of implantation was 498 N (SD 201), whereas for the modified technique, it was 1308 N (SD 581). Displacement of the inserted screws in the new method was 36% higher than in the case of the standard method. This method is also characterized by the greater stiffness of the obtained interface and greater failure energy than the normally used technique.InterpretationThe obtained results demonstrate that the use of the new technique of implantation significantly increases the strength of the obtained screw-bone interface. It should also increase the success rate of the performed fixations and increase the safety of such fixations in clinical practice.     

Augmented screws in angular stable plating of the proximal humerus: What to do when revision is needed?

BackgroundBone cement augmentation of modified cannulated locking screws shows biomechanically and clinically good results for osteoporotic fracture management. Nevertheless, complications need to be considered. Therefore implant removal should be tested for feasibility.MethodsImplant removal was simulated in 7 pairs of osteoporotic cadaveric humeri: During screw removal from an angular stable proximal humerus plate, we measured the maximum torque of 14 augmented screws and the corresponding 14 non-augmented screws on the contralateral humeri. After screw removal, specimens were cut along the screw axes to macroscopically investigate the impact of screw removal on the surrounding bone. In addition, we established a technique for cement removal in cases in which the screw head is obstructed with cement and therefore disables the insertion of the screwdriver.FindingsThe screw extraction torque measurements showed no significant differences between the two groups regarding one screw (screw 4 augmented: 1.52 Nm, SD 0.25 Nm vs. screw 4 non-augmented: 1.80 Nm, SD 0.40 Nm; P = 0.20), whereas torque values for the second screw in the augmented group were lower than in the control group (screw 5 augmented: 0.72 Nm, 0.31 Nm vs. screw 5 non-augmented: 1.42 Nm, 0.52 Nm; P = 0.009). Macroscopy of the bone showed no damage to the trabeculae within the humeral head due to the removal.InterpretationThe removal of cannulated, polymethylmethacrylate-augmented, 2.8 mm titanium screws from an angular stable plate was uncomplicated, without the need for special instruments or increased torque for screw removal. No additional damage was visible at the bone-cement interface.     

Initial stability of a percutaneous osseointegrated endoprosthesis with proximal interlocking screws for transhumeral amputees

BackgroundPercutaneous osseointegrated devices for skeletal fixation of prosthetic limbs have the potential to improve clinical outcomes in the transhumeral amputee population. Initial endoprosthesis stability is paramount for long-term osseointegration and safe clinical introduction of this technology. We evaluated an endoprosthetic design featuring a distally porous coated titanium stem with proximal slots for placement of bicortical interlocking screws.MethodsYield load, ultimate failure load, and construct stiffness were measured in 18 pairs of fresh-frozen and thawed cadaver humeri, at distal and proximal amputation levels, without and with screws, under axial pull-out, torsion, and bending loads. Paired statistical comparisons were performed without screws at the two resection levels, and at distal and proximal levels with and without screws.FindingsWithout screws, the location of the amputation influenced the stability only in torsional yield (p = 0.032) and torsional ultimate failure (p = 0.033). Proximally, the torsional yield and the torsional ultimate failure were 44% and 47% of that distally. Screws improved stability. In axial pull-out, screws increased the distal ultimate failure 3.2 times (p = 0.003). In torsion, screws increased the yield at the proximal level 1.9 times (p = 0.035), distal ultimate failure load 3.3 times (p = 0.016) and proximal ultimate failure 6.4 times (p = 0.013). In bending, screws increased ultimate failure at the proximal level 1.6 times (p = 0.026).InterpretationProximal slots and bicortical interlocking screws may find application in percutaneous osseointegrated devices for patients with amputations, especially in the less stable proximal bone of a short residual limb.     

Revising a loosened cancellous screw with a larger screw does not restore original pull-out strength – A biomechanical study

BackgroundCancellous screw fixation is often used in fracture fixation. When this screw is over-tightened, damage to the bone and other non-linear processes such as fracture and construct failure would be involved. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the reduction in pull-out strength when a cancellous screw spins and (2) to determine how much pull-out strength can be restored by revising with a larger diameter screw.MethodsA biomechanical study using synthetic polyurethane foam (320 kg/m³) was performed to assess (1) the pull-out strength of a 6.5 mm cancellous screw, (2) the pull-out strength of a loosened 6.5 mm cancellous screw and (3) the pull-out strength of a loosened 6.5 mm cancellous screw revised with a 7.3 mm cancellous screw.FindingsThe baseline pull-out strength of the 6.5 mm cancellous screw was 2213.91 ± 200.51 N. There was a 79.1% (463.79 ± 99.95 N) reduction in pull-out strength once spinning occurs (p = 0.027). When a spinning 6.5 mm cancellous screw was revised to a 7.3 mm cancellous screw, the pull-out strength increased to 1313.65 ± 93.23 N, 59.3% of the baseline pull-out strength (2213.91 ± 200.51 N) (p = 0.027).IntepretationA loosened 6.5 mm cancellous screw results in a 79.1% reduction in pull-out strength. Revising a loosened cancellous screw by inserting a larger 7.3 mm diameter screw partially improves the pull-out strength to 59.3% of the baseline. Surgeons should consider the use of “two-finger tight” torque when inserting a screw to avoid stripping.     

Variations in non-locking screw insertion conditions generate unpredictable changes to achieved fixation tightness and stripping rates

BackgroundScrews are the most commonly inserted orthopaedic implants. However, several variables related to screw insertion and tightening have not been evaluated. This study aimed firstly to assess the effect of insertion variables on screw tightness, secondly to improve methodologies used by researchers when testing screw insertion techniques and thirdly to assess for any learning or fatigue effects when inserting screws.MethodsTwo surgeons tightened a total of 2280 non-locking, 3.5 mm cortical screws, with 120 screws inserted to what they felt to be optimum tightness whilst varying each of the following factors: different screwdrivers for measuring torque, screwdriver orientation, gloves usage, dominant/non-dominant hand usage, awareness to the applied torque (blinded, unblinded and re-blinded), four bone densities and seven cortical thicknesses. Screws were tightened to failure to determine stripping torque, which was used to calculate screw tightness – ratio between stopping and stripping torque.FindingsScrew tightness increased with glove usage, being blinded to the applied torque and with denser artificial bone and with thinner cortices. Considering all the insertions performed, the two surgeons stopped tightening screws at difference values of tightness ((77% versus 66% (p < 0.001)). A learning effect was observed with some parameters including sterile gloves usage and non-dominant hand application.InterpretationDifferent insertion conditions frequently changed screw tightness for both surgeons. Given the influence of screw tightness on fixation stability, the variables investigated within this study should be carefully reported and controlled when performing biomechanical testing alongside practicing screw insertion under different conditions during surgical training.     

Guidelines for cortical screw versus pedicle screw selection from a fatigued decompressive lumbar laminectomy model show similar stability and less bone mineral density dependency

BackgroundTraditional pedicle screws are the gold standard for lumbar spine fixation; however, cortical screws along the midline cortical bone trajectory may be advantageous when lumbar decompression is required. While biomechanic investigation of both techniques exists, cortical screw performance in a multi-level lumbar laminectomy and fusion model is unknown. Furthermore, longer-term viability of cortical screws following cyclic fatigue has not been investigated.MethodsFourteen human specimens (L1–S1) were divided into cortical and pedicle screw treatment groups. Motion was captured for the following conditions: intact, bilateral posterior fixation (L3–L5), fixation with laminectomy at L3–L5, fixation with laminectomy and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion at L3–L5 both prior to, and following, simulated in vivo fatigue. Following fatigue, screw pullout force was collected and “effective shear stress” [pullout force/screw surface area] (N/mm²) was calculated; comparisons and correlations were performed.FindingsIn flexion-extension and lateral bending, all operative constructs significantly reduced motion compared to intact (P < 0.05), regardless of pedicle or cortical screws; only posterior fixation with and without laminectomy significantly reduced motion in axial rotation (P < 0.05). Pedicle screws significantly increased average pullout strength (944.2 N vs. 690.2 N, P < 0.05), but not the “effective shear stress” (1.01 N/mm² vs. 1.1 N/mm², P > 0.05).InterpretationIn a posterior laminectomy and fusion model, cortical screws provided equivalent stability to pedicle screw fixation, yet had significantly lower screw pullout force. No differences in “effective shear stress” warrant further investigation of the effect of screw length/diameter in the aforementioned screw trajectories.     

Biomechanical effects of posterior pedicle screw-based instrumentation using titanium versus carbon fiber reinforced PEEK in an osteoporotic spine human cadaver model

BackgroundAim of this biomechanical investigation was to compare the biomechanical effects of a carbon fiber reinforced PEEK and titanium pedicle screw/rod device in osteoporotic human cadaveric spine.MethodsTen human fresh-frozen cadaveric lumbar spines (L1-L5) have been used and were randomized into two groups according to the bone mineral density. A monosegmental posterior instrumentation (L3-L4) using titanium pedicle screws and rods was carried out in group A and using carbon fiber reinforced PEEK in group B. A cyclic loading test was performed at a frequency of 3 Hz, starting with a peak of 500 N for the first 2000 cycles, up to 950 N for 100,000 cycles under a general preload with 100 N. All specimens were evaluated with regard to a potential collapse of the implanted pedicle screws. A CT supported digital measurement of cavities around the pedicle at 3 defined measuring points was performed. Finally, the maximum zero-time failure load of all specimens was determined using a universal testing machine (80% F_max).FindingsRegarding maximum axial force (group A: 2835 N, group B: 3006 N, p = 0.595) and maximum compression (group A: 11.67 mm, group B: 15.15 mm, p = 0.174) no statistical difference could be shown between the two groups. However, significant smaller cavity formation around the pedicle screws could be observed in group B (p = 0.007), especially around the screw tip (p < 0.001).InterpretationCarbon fiber reinforced PEEK devices seem to be advantageous in terms of microscopic screw loosening compared to titanium devices.     

Biomechanical analysis of pedicle screw thread differential design in an osteoporotic cadaver model

Background

Pedicle screw fixation, the standard surgical care for posterior stabilization in the thoraco-lumbar spine has a high rate of failure in osteoporotic individuals. Screw design factors and insertion techniques have been shown to influence the biomechanical performance of pedicle screws. Our objective was to investigate the biomechanical characteristics of pedicle screw fixation in osteoporotic bone by comparing standard screws with newly designed differential crest thickness dual lead screws.

Methods

An in-vitro spinal-level paired factorial study design was used to examine thoraco-lumbar spine biomechanical outcomes for differential pedicle screw thread designs. Six cadaveric human spines (T8-L5) were tested for six groups (n = 20) consisting of 2 different crest thickness and 3 different insertion techniques. Bone mineral density was assessed and peak insertion torque measured while placing one screw of new design and control on the contralateral side. Screw pullout properties were measured from classical American Society for Testing and Materials protocols.

Findings

The screws designed specifically for osteoporotic bone showed significantly larger insertion torque compared with the standard screw design irrespective of insertion technique. Much of the variability in pullout failure and stiffness was explained by bone mineral density. The osteoporotic screws of different crest thickness were statistically similar to each other in all outcome measures.

Interpretation

Compared with standard pedicle screws, the dual lead osteoporotic-specific pedicle screws demonstrated significantly larger insertion torques and similar pullout properties. Non-significant increased biomechanical strength was observed for thin crest compared to thick crest dual lead pedicle screws indicating their enhanced purchase in osteoporotic bone.     

磷酸钙骨水泥对颈椎前路螺钉置入体强化作用的生物力学分析

背景:有研究表明磷酸钙骨水泥通过改善骨与螺钉界面的质量,从而强化螺钉的即刻和早期固定强度.目的:实验拟验证磷酸钙骨水泥对颈椎前路单皮质骨螺钉的强化作用.设计:对比观察.单位:中南大学湘雅医学院附属湘雅一医院骨科.材料:实验于2003-09/2004-01在中南大学材料科学与工程学院电子拉伸力学性能室完成.由张家港市欣达医疗器械有限公司生产的颈椎前路单皮质骨自攻螺钉,材质为纯钛.注射型磷酸钙骨水泥由上海瑞邦生物材料有限公司生产.轴向拔出套筒由中南大学机械制造基地制造.方法:①选取4具新鲜青年男性尸体C3～C6椎体标本共16个椎体,单个椎体骨密度测量,证实无骨质疏松.4具新鲜老年男性尸体C3～C6椎体标本共16个椎体,单个椎体骨密度测量,证实骨质疏松.标本由中南大学湘雅医学院解剖教研室提供,死者生前自愿捐献遗体,家属均知情同意.每组随机选择12个椎体进行3个试验,轴向拔出试验选取6个椎体,周期抗屈试验和抗屈后抗剪切试验选取6个椎体.在椎体前方中线两侧8 mm处向中线倾斜5°攻丝锥导孔,钻出钉道备用,不穿透椎体后方骨皮质.②轴向拔出实验:随机选取椎体一侧置入螺钉作为对照组,在材料实验机上行轴向拔出实验,拔出速率为5 mm/min.螺钉拔出后用磷酸钙骨水泥 0.10～0.15 mL修复钉道再次置入螺钉作为修复组,另一侧直接以磷酸钙骨水泥填充后置入螺钉作为强化组,37 ℃下放置24 h后再行轴向拔出试验.③周期抗屈试验和抗屈后抗剪切试验:随机选取椎体一侧置入螺钉作为对照组,另一侧直接以磷酸钙骨水泥填充后置入螺钉作为强化组行周期抗屈试验和抗屈后抗剪切试验.主要观察指标:①螺钉的最大轴向拔出力.②周期抗屈实验后螺钉的位移.③周期抗屈后螺钉的最大抗剪切力.结果:①轴向拔出试验:骨质正常椎体,对照组拔出力为(313± 64)N,修复组为(376±88)N,强化组为(446±121)N;骨质疏松椎体,对照组拔出力为(106±47)N,修复组为(154±67)N,强化组为(191±80)N.修复组、强化组的轴向拔出力均明显高于对照组(P < 0.05).②周期抗屈实验:强化组在相同载荷下产生的位移明显小于对照组(P < 0.05).③最大抗剪切力:骨质正常椎体:对照组为(301± 79)N,强化组为(395±105)N.骨质疏松椎体:对照组为(87±39)N,强化组为(149±63)N,强化组的最大抗剪切力明显强于对照组(P < 0.05).结论:磷酸钙骨水泥能提高螺钉的轴向拔出力及抗剪切能力,在骨质疏松时强化效果更加明显.     

Influence of pilot hole diameter in cancellous screw fixation in a reduced density animal bone model

BackgroundScrew fixation in osteoporotic bone is clinically challenging. Screw failure rates are growing due to an increasing prevalence of osteoporosis. To address this, biomechanical models are needed to recreate the bone clinically encountered alongside the development of new operative techniques. The first aim of this study was to test whether the use of a smaller than recommended pilot-hole diameter improved pull-out strength for cancellous screws, with the second aim to create a model of low-density porcine bone for biomechanical testing.MethodsThirty porcine tibiae were cut into transverse metaphyseal sections of 20 mm thickness. Bone density was altered using 0.15 M Hydrochloric acid, and measured and pre- and post-demineralisation using HRμCT. Seventy-two screw areas were randomised to either 2.5 mm or 1.5 mm pilot holes and to either be normal or reduced density. Maximum axial pull-out strength was measured.FindingsDemineralisation reduced bone density by 12% (p < 0.0001) and 11% (p < 0.0001) for 2.5 mm and 1.5 mm pilot hole diameters respectively. Pull-out strength reduced by 50% (p = 0.0001) and 44% (p < 0.0001) following demineralisation for both 2.5 mm and 1.5 mm pilot hole diameters. Pull-out strength increased by 51% (p = 0.0008) when inserting screws into 1.5 mm pilot holes in low density bone, and by 28% (p = 0.027) in normal bone.InterpretationPorcine bone can be demineralised to model low density cancellous bone. This novel model showed that pullout force is significantly reduced in lower density screw holes, but that this reduction can be mitigated by reducing pilot hole diameter for cancellous screws.     

Sled fixation for horizontal medial malleolus fractures

BackgroundHorizontal fractures of the medial malleolus occur through exertion of various rotational forces on the ankle, including supination­-external rotation, pronation-­external rotation, and pronation-abduction. Many methods of fixation are employed for these fractures, but the optimal fixation construct remains unclear.MethodsHorizontal medial malleolus osteotomies were performed in synthetic distal tibiae and randomized into two fixation groups: 1) two parallel unicortical cancellous screws or 2) medial malleolar sled fixation. Specimens were subjected to offset axial tension loading and tracked using high-resolution video. Clinical failure was defined as 2 mm of articular displacement.FindingsThere were statistically significant increases in mean stiffness (127% higher, P = 0.0007) and mean force to clinical failure (52% higher, P = 0.0002) with the medial malleolar sled. The mean stiffness in offset tension loading was 232 (SD 83) N/mm for medial malleolar sled and 102 (SD 20) N/mm for parallel unicortical cancellous screws. The mean force to clinical failure was 595 (SD 112) N for medial malleolar sled and 392 (SD 34) N for unicortical screws. In addition, the medial malleolar sled demonstrated elastic recoil to pre-testing alignment while the unicortical screws did not.InterpretationMedial malleolar sled fixation was significantly stiffer and required more force to clinical failure than parallel unicortical cancellous screws. A medial malleolar sled requires more dissection to apply surgically, but provides significantly more initial fixation strength. Additionally, a medial malleolar sled acts like a tension band in its ability to capture comminuted fragments while being low profile enough to minimize soft tissue irritation.     

Screws with larger core diameter and lower thread pitch increase the stability of locked plating in osteoporotic proximal humeral fractures

BackgroundLittle is known about the screw design as a factor for stability of the bone-implant interface in locking plate fixation of proximal humeral fractures. Aim of the present study was to analyze if locking screws with a large core diameter and a low thread pitch provide increased stability when compared to conventional locking screws.Methods3-Part proximal humeral fractures were created in ten pairs of osteoporotic human cadaveric humeri and fixed with a locking plate. Head fixation was performed with screws with a large core diameter (soft bone screws) in one humerus and with conventional cancellous locking screws in the other humerus of each donor. Specimens were loaded in the varus bending position. Stiffness, failure loads, plate bending and motion at the bone-implant interface were evaluated using mechanical sensors and an optical motion capture system.FindingsThe stiffness of the construct for the soft bone screws was 299.8 N/mm (IR, 72.1 N/mm) and 203.9 N/mm (IR, 37.3 N/mm) for the conventional locking screws (p = 0.005). Plate bending did not differ between the two groups. Motion at the bone-implant interface was significantly reduced in the soft bone screw group (p < 0.05). The median load-to-failure was significantly higher in the soft bone screw group (358 N vs. 313 N; p = 0.012).InterpretationThe use of soft bone screws is associated with less motion at the bone-implant interface and therefore greater fixation strength when compared to fixation with conventional locking screws. Clinical studies are needed to prove these biomechanical findings in the in vivo situation.Level of evidence: Controlled laboratory study.     

Influences of screw design features on initial stability in immediate implant placement and restoration

BackgroundSelf-tapping screws have been extensively used for dental implants. Their biomechanical behavior is highly associated with their clinical success, particularly for screws used for immediate implant placement and restoration, because occlusal forces can directly affect the loading transfer at the bone–implant interface after implantation. The effect of implant design on the initial stability of self-tapping screws remains unclear. This study explored the biomechanical behaviors of implant stability in standardized implants with different design features.MethodsSix types of dental implants were designed using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing technology, including three types of cutting flute shapes (spiral, straight, and non–self-tapping) combined with two types of screw features. Peak insertion torque values were first recorded; initial stability levels were subsequently evaluated in terms of the maximum force and resistance to lateral loads using an electrodynamic test system.FindingsThe peak insertion torque values, maximum force, and resistance to lateral loads of the non–self-tapping groups were higher than those of the self-tapping groups by 17%–90% (p < 0.01). The peak insertion torque values of the Straumann implant with a spiral flute was higher than that of the original straight flute by 20% (p < 0.001). However, compared with the original spiral flute, the Nobel Biocare implant with straight flute had a 23% higher maximum force (p = 0.016) and 24.5% higher resistance (p = 0.012) under lateral loading.InterpretationChanging the flute design would affect initial implant stability. Non–self-tapping implants exhibited superior initial stability than did self-tapping implants.     

Mechanical behavior of fixation components for periprosthetic fracture surgery

BackgroundReliable periprosthetic fracture treatment needs detailed knowledge on the mechanical behavior of the fixation components used. The holding capacity of three conventional fixation components for periprosthetic fracture treatment was systematically investigated under different loading directions.MethodsLocking compression plates were fixed to a 7 cm long part of diaphyseal fresh frozen human femur with either a single 1.7 mm cerclage cable, a 5.0 mm monocortical or a bicortical locking screw (n = 5 per group). Constructs were loaded in lateral, torsional and axial direction with respect to the bone axis in a load-to-failure test. Corresponding stress distribution around the screw holes was analyzed by finite element modeling.FindingsBoth screw fixations revealed significantly higher stiffness and ultimate strength in axial compression and torsion compared to the cerclage (all P < 0.01). Ultimate strength in lateral loading and torsion was significantly higher for bicortical screws (mean 3968 N SD 657; mean 28.8 Nm SD 5.9) compared to monocortical screws (mean 2748 N SD 585; mean 14.4 Nm SD 5.7 Nm) and cerclages (mean 3001 N SD 252; mean 3.2 Nm SD 2.0) (P ≤ 0.04). Stress distribution around the screw hole varied according to the screw type and load direction.InterpretationFixation components may be combined according to their individual advantages to achieve an optimal periprosthetic fracture fixation.     

Headless compression screw for horizontal medial malleolus fractures

BackgroundHorizontal medial malleolus fractures are caused by the application of rotational force through the ankle joint in several orientations. Multiple techniques are available for the fixation of medial malleolar fractures.MethodsHorizontal medial malleolus osteotomies were performed in eighteen synthetic distal tibiae and randomized into two fixation groups: 1) two parallel unicortical cancellous screws or 2) two Acutrak 2 headless compression screws. Specimens were subjected to offset axial tension loading. Frontal plane interfragmentary motion was monitored.FindingsThe headless compression group (1699 (SD 947) N/mm) had significantly greater proximal-distal stiffness than the unicortical group (668 (SD 298) N/mm), (P = 0.012). Similarly, the headless compression group (604 (SD 148) N/mm) had significantly greater medial-lateral stiffness than the unicortical group (281 (SD 152) N/mm), (P < 0.001). The force at 2 mm of lateral displacement was significantly greater in the headless compression group (955 (SD 79) N) compared to the unicortical group (679 (SD 198) N), (P = 0.003). At 2 mm of distal displacement, the mean force was higher in the headless compression group (1037 (SD 122) N) compared to the unicortical group (729 (SD 229) N), but the difference was not significant (P = 0.131).InterpretationA headless compression screw construct was significantly stiffer in both the proximal-distal and medial-lateral directions, indicating greater resistance to both axial and shear loading. Additionally, they had significantly greater load at clinical failure based on lateral displacement. The low-profile design of the headless compression screw minimizes soft tissue irritation and reduces need for implant removal.