Influence of an additional locking screw on fracture reduction after volar fixed-angle plating-introduction of the "protection screw" in an extra-articular distal radius fracture model.

Background: Though, volar fixed-angle plating has become increasingly popular to treat distal radius fractures no studies are available comparing the mechanical properties of different screw configurations to fix the plate to the shaft. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of an additional locking screw directly proximal to the fracture site and to assess if such a screw might be protective against secondary loss of reduction after volar fixed-angle plating.

Methods: Ten Sawbones radii were used to simulate an extra-articular distal radius fracture model (AO/OTA 23-A3).

Micromotion at the fracture site after tibial nailing with four unreamed small-diameter nails--a biomechanical study using a distal tibia fracture model.

Background: Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice in tibia fractures allowing for closed fracture reduction and internal fixation. Small-diameter nails that preserve the endosteal blood supply act as load-sharing devices after proximal and distal locking. Despite fracture healing is influenced by movements at the fracture gap, no data are available reporting on the micromovements at the fracture site if small-diameter nails were used.

Factors influencing interlocking screw failure in unreamed small diameter nails--a biomechanical study using a distal tibia fracture model.

Background: Unreamed tibia nails with small diameters are increasingly used for fracture fixation. However, little is known about the fatigue strength of proximal and distal interlocking screws in those nails. To date, no data are available reporting on mechanical differences of solid compared to cannulated tibial nails.