Long-term stability of angle-stable versus conventional locked intramedullary nails in distal tibia fractures.

Background: In the last years intramedullary nailing has become the treatment of choice for most displaced diaphyseal tibia fractures. In contrast intramedullary nailing of distal tibia fractures is accompanied by problems like decreased biomechanical stability. Nevertheless the indications for intramedullary nailing have been extended to include even more distal fractures.

Plantar versus dorsomedial locked plating for Lapidus arthrodesis: a biomechanical comparison.

Background: Lapidus arthrodesis with a plate and a compression screw is an established procedure in hallux valgus surgery. The present study was performed to investigate the potential benefit of a compression screw combined with a plantarly applied angle-stable, anatomically precontoured plate or a dorsomedially applied angle-stable plate.

Methods: In six pairs of human cadaver specimens, one specimen each was randomized to receive a dorsomedial H-shaped plate, while the other received a plantar plate.

The primary stability of angle-stable versus conventional locked intramedullary nails.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the initial biomechanical characteristics of the angle-stable locking system for intramedullary nails using the new biodegradable sleeve with conventional locking in the treatment of unstable distal tibial fractures.

Methods: Eight pairs of fresh, frozen porcine tibiae were used for this study. The expert tibial nail (Synthes) was equipped with either conventional locking screws (CL) or the angle-stable locking system (AS).

Internal fixation of type-C distal femoral fractures in osteoporotic bone: surgical technique.

Background: Fixation of distal femoral fractures remains a challenge, especially in osteoporotic bone. This study was performed to investigate the biomechanical stability of four different fixation devices for the treatment of comminuted distal femoral fractures in osteoporotic bone.

Methods: Four fixation devices were investigated biomechanically under torsional and axial loading.

Choosing a proper working length can improve the lifespan of locked plates. A biomechanical study.

Background: It is hypothesized that the working length influences the implants fatigue behavior. However, few studies addressing this issue came to contrary results. Therefore, we tested systematically the influence of working length and implant material on the plate's endurance.

Biomechanical characterization of an osteoporotic artificial bone model for the distal femur.

The treatment of osteoporotic distal femur fractures is still an unsolved problem of trauma surgery. The poor bone stock often leads to secondary loss of reduction and implant failure. Therefore, the development of new implants and their biomechanical testing is essential.

Internal fixation of type-C distal femoral fractures in osteoporotic bone.

Background: Fixation of distal femoral fractures remains a challenge, especially in osteoporotic bone. This study was performed to investigate the biomechanical stability of four different fixation devices for the treatment of comminuted distal femoral fractures in osteoporotic bone.

Methods: Four fixation devices were investigated biomechanically under torsional and axial loading.

Evaluation of a customized artificial osteoporotic bone model of the distal femur.

In the development of new implants biomechanical testing is essential. Since human bones vary markedly in density and geometry their suitability for biomechanical testing is limited. In contrast artificial bones are of great uniformity and therefore appropriate for biomechanical testing.

How do visual, spectroscopic and biomechanical changes of cartilage correlate in osteoarthritic knee joints?

Background: Characteristic changes in cartilage of human knee joints with different degrees of osteoarthritis (OA) have been investigated by visual, biophotonical and biomechanical examination. Knowledge about the cartilage composition and changes during the development of OA is important for diagnostic decisions and understanding the pathogenesis of OA.

Methods: Thirty two patients with severe knee OA received endoprosthetic replacement.

The strength of polyaxial locking interfaces of distal radius plates.

Background: Currently available polyaxial locking plates represent the consequent enhancement of fixed-angle, first-generation locking plates. In contrast to fixed-angle locking plates which are sufficiently investigated, the strength of the new polyaxial locking options has not yet been evaluated biomechanically. This study investigates the mechanical strength of single polyaxial interfaces of different volar radius plates.

Temperature influence on DXA measurements: bone mineral density acquisition in frozen and thawed human femora.

Background: Determining bone mineral density (BMD) with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is an established and widely used method that is also applied prior to biomechanical testing. However, DXA is affected by a number of factors. In order to delay decompositional processes, human specimens for biomechanical studies are usually stored at about -20 degrees C; similarly, bone mineral density measurements are usually performed in the frozen state.