Bicortical Compression and Construct Stability With Variable Pitch Locking Screws in Cadaveric Specimens.

Objectives: A variable pitch locking screw is intended to provide interfragmentary compression combined with fixed angle stability of locking plate constructs. The objective of this study was to compare variable pitch locking screws (3.5-mm KreuLock Ti locking compression screws, Arthrex Inc.

Mechanically compliant locking plates for diaphyseal fracture fixation: A biomechanical study.

Axial micromotion between bone fragments can stimulate callus formation and fracture healing. In this study, we propose a novel mechanically compliant locking plate which achieves up to 0.6 mm of interfragmentary motion as flexures machined into the plate elastically deflect under physiological load.

Cannulated screws versus nitinol staple for tarsometatarsal fusion: A cadaveric biomechanical comparison model.

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical stability of a medially placed nitinol staple compared to two crossed-screws in the first TMT-1 joint fusion in a cadaveric cyclic loading model.

Methods: Seven matched pairs (N = 7) of lower limb cadaveric specimens were utilized. TMT-1 joints from each donor were fixed with a medially placed nitinol staple or dorsally placed two 3.

Mechanics of dynamic compression plate application in fracture fixation.

Background: Dynamic compression plating is a fundamental type of bone fracture fixation used to generate interfragmentary compression. The goal of this study was to investigate the mechanics of the surgical application of these plates, specifically how plate prebend, screw location, fracture gap, and applied torque influence the resulting compressive pressures.

Methods: Synthetic bones with transverse fractures were fixed with locking compression plates.

Establishment of a Neurodegenerative Charcot Mouse Model.

Background: This study aimed to mimic the changes from Charcot neuropathic arthropathy in humans by examining the effects of exposing diet-induced obese (DIO) mice to neurotrauma through a regimented running protocol.

Methods: Forty-eight male wild-type C57BL/6J mice were obtained at age 6 weeks and separated into 2 groups for diet assignment. After a 1-week acclimation period, half of the mice consumed a high-fat diet (60% fat by kcal) ad libitum to facilitate neuropathic diet-induced obesity whereas the other half were control mice and consumed an age-matched standard low-fat control diet (10% fat by kcal).

Extrusion and characterization of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) filaments compounded with chain extender and impact modifiers for material-extrusion additive manufacturing.

The continuous growth of annual production and consumption of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is coined with increasing waste that leaks into the environment, landfills and oceans as microplastics and nano plastics fragments. Upcycling the recycled PET to make a feedstock for the fast-growing material-extrusion additive manufacturing (MEX-AM) technology can contribute to the solution and supports the concept of sustainable materials. In this work, extrudable filaments comprising recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) with low-cost additives, such as pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) as a chain extender, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene terpolymer functionalized with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA), a thermal modifier and toughening agent, ethylene-ethyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (E-EA-GMA), a functional reactive elastomeric impact modifier and ethylene-ethyl-acrylate (EEA), a non-reactive elastomeric impact modifier, have been fabricated using the twin-screw extruder.

Erythropoietin-PLGA-PEG as a local treatment to promote functional recovery and neurovascular regeneration after peripheral nerve injury.

Background: Traumatic peripheral nerve injury (TPNI) is a major medical problem with no universally accepted pharmacologic treatment. We hypothesized that encapsulation of pro-angiogenic erythropoietin (EPO) in amphiphilic PLGA-PEG block copolymers could serve as a local controlled-release drug delivery system to enhance neurovascular regeneration after nerve injury.

Methods: In this study, we synthesized an EPO-PLGA-PEG block copolymer formulation.

The effect of cigarette smoke versus vaporized nicotine on healing of a rat femur.

Introduction: Little data exists regarding the effects of vaporized nicotine on healing. Our goal was to compare vaporized nicotine, combusted nicotine and control with respect to bone healing in a rat femur fracture model.

Materials And Methods: Forty-five male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three equal cohorts.

Achilles Tendon Ruptures and Repair in Athletes-a Review of Sports-Related Achilles Injuries and Return to Play.

Purpose Of Review: Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) are detrimental to sports performance, and optimal treatment strategy and guidelines on return to play (RTP) remain controversial. This current review investigates the recent literature surrounding nonoperative versus operative management of ATR, clinical outcomes, and operative techniques to allow the athlete a successful return to their respective sport.

Recent Findings: The Achilles tendon (AT) is crucial to the athlete, as it is essential for explosive activities such as running and jumping.

Animal model detects early pathologic changes of Charcot neuropathic arthropathy.

Charcot neuropathic arthropathy is a degenerative, debilitating disease that affects the foot and ankle in patients with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, often resulting in destruction, amputation. Proposed etiologies include neurotraumatic, inflammatory, and neurovascular. There has been no previous animal model for Charcot.

Biomechanical Comparison of Fibertape Device Repair Techniques of Ligamentous Lisfranc Injury in a Cadaveric Model.

Background: Lisfranc ligamentous injuries are complex, and their treatment, along with the preferred method of fixation, is controversial. Implementing a flexible synthetic augmentation device (fibertape) has been described as an alternative to traditional screw fixation. This biomechanical study evaluated two fibertape devices with interference screw fixation: InternalBrace, and InternalBrace with supplementary intercuneiform stabilization.

Ulnohumeral joint static cartilage compression is affected by radial head implant size.

Introduction: Radiocapitellar joint arthroplasty is a commonly performed procedure, which often leads to early failure or instability. Few studies assess the effect of radiocapitellar joint arthroplasty on the ulnohumeral joint. We hypothesized that static forces of contact (compressing cartilage, or cartilage relaxation contact force) would reveal the effect of varying radial head implant size and elbow position on the ulnohumeral joint.