Biomechanical analysis of the cephalomedullary nail versus the trochanteric stabilizing plate for unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures.

Unstable intertrochanteric fractures are commonly treated with a cephalomedullary nail due to high failure rates with a sliding hip screw. The Omega3 Trochanteric Stabilizing Plate is a relatively new device that functions like a modified sliding hip screw with a proximal extension; however, its mechanical properties have not been evaluated. This study biomechanically compared a cephalomedullary nail, that is, Gamma3 Nail against the Omega3 plate.

Biomechanical measurements of stopping and stripping torques during screw insertion in five types of human and artificial humeri.

During orthopedic surgery, screws are inserted by "subjective feel" in humeri for fracture fixation, that is, stopping torque, while trying to prevent accidental over-tightening that causes screw-bone interface failure, that is, stripping torque. However, no studies exist on stopping torque, stripping torque, or stopping/stripping torque ratio in human or artificial humeri. This study evaluated five types of humeri, namely, human fresh-frozen (n = 19), human embalmed (n = 18), human dried (n = 15), artificial "normal" (n = 13), and artificial "osteoporotic" (n = 13).

Biomechanical measurements of stiffness and strength for five types of whole human and artificial humeri.

The human humerus is the third largest longbone and experiences 2-3% of all fractures. Yet, almost no data exist on its intact biomechanical properties, thus preventing researchers from obtaining a full understanding of humerus behavior during injury and after being repaired with fracture plates and nails. The aim of this experimental study was to compare the biomechanical stiffness and strength of "gold standard" fresh-frozen humeri to a variety of humerus models.

Biomechanical measurements of cortical screw purchase in five types of human and artificial humeri.

Humerus shaft fracture fixation is largely dependent on cortical screw purchase in host bone. Only 2 prior studies assessed cortical screw purchase in human humeral shafts, but were of very limited scope and did not fully assess humerus material properties. Also, no studies evaluated the human dried or artificial humeri both commercially available from Sawbones.

Biomechanical analysis using infrared thermography of a traditional metal plate versus a carbon fibre/epoxy plate for Vancouver B1 femur fractures.

Traditional high-stiffness metal plates for Vancouver B1 femur shaft fractures below the tip of a hip implant can cause stress shielding, bone resorption, and implant loosening. This is the first study to compare the biomechanics of a traditional metal plate versus a low-stiffness carbon fibre/epoxy composite plate for this injury. A total hip replacement was implanted in two previously validated intact artificial femurs.

Biomechanical measurements of cortical screw stripping torque in human versus artificial femurs.

Femur fracture plates are applied using cortical bone screws. Surgeons do this manually by subjective 'feel' without monitoring torque. Few studies have quantified stripping torque in human bone.