Measurement of tibial torsion by computer tomography.

A CT procedure for objective measurements of tibial torsion independent of axial rotation in the nearby joints is described. Transverse sections in defined planes of the tibia permit easy calculation of normal and abnormal congenital or posttraumatic angles of torsion. In 69 limbs normal tibial torsion was 40 degrees +/- 9 degrees.

[A computer tomographic method for the determination of tibial torsion (author's transl)].

A computer tomographic method is described for measuring tibial torsion in vivo. The basis of the method depends on transverse scans of the tibia through the knee and ankle joint region by means of which it is possible to establish normal values and abnormal posttraumatic or in congenital torsion. Traumatologists, as well as orthopaedic surgeons, require reproducible measurements, since a detorsion operation may rectify deformities which would lead to degenerative joint changes.

The stability of osteosyntheses bridging defects.

Segmental defects of 2 cm in the femoral midshaft of dogs were bridged with either single, double or a single plate and cortical bone graft. The massive bone transplant was fixed with screws opposite the plate in order to diminish harmful bending loads. The biomechanical behavior was tested under continuous increasing axial stress.