Mechanical comparison of two types of fixation for ludloff oblique first metatarsal osteotomy.

The Ludloff oblique metatarsal osteotomy is an effective method to correct hallux valgus deformity, although a number of problems have been associated with it, including inherent instability, delayed union, dorsal malunion, and fixation failure. The purpose of the present study was to compare the mechanical characteristics of fixation of the Ludloff osteotomy in 20 identical synthetic bone models, 10 fixated using 2 screws (group I) and 10 fixated using 2 screws augmented with a mini locking plate (group II). Each specimen was loaded to failure, and the mean average load to failure, stiffness, and absorbed energy to failure were compared using unpaired Student's t test.

Biplane fracture of the distal humeral lateral column: a report of two cases.

Articular fractures of the distal part of the humerus represent a challenging therapeutic problem, because they require thorough understanding of the complex local anatomy, extensile approaches, and reduction and fixation of small fragments that mainly consist of subchondral bone and articular cartilage. This report presents two cases of a unique fracture pattern of the lateral humeral column with a fracture line in the coronal plane separating the capitellum with a substantial portion of the lateral trochlear ridge, and with a second fracture line in the sagittal plane separating the residual, posterior portion of the lateral column, almost through the level of the capitellotrochlear sulcus, thus creating concomitant but distinct "low" lateral column and capitellum fractures. The radiographic findings that would suggest to the orthopaedic surgeon the possibility of this fracture pattern, the surgical approach that provides access to this complex articular fracture, and the fixation method are described.