Abstract
Aims: The new Fixclips are used with 0.8mm to 3.0mm diameter wires and screws to þx osteotomies and fractures. This study deals with the biomechanical properties of the þxclip system. Methods: The range of normally accepted screw tightness was established by using a torque screwdriver at surgery. The mechanical grip-strength over this torque range was measured using a Hounsþeld Tensometer in the laboratory. The þxation was simulated using Tufnol material and the effect of additional clips on the grip strength and the stability of the construct was assessed. Results: Pull out force depends on the wire size and varied linearly over the clinical range of screw torque (0.25 to 3Nm) with values from 50 N to 900 N. An additional clip increases the pull-out force upto 3000N and the adjusting the distance also affects the test results. The strength increased with the distance between the clips and a maximum was obtained at a distance of 4.5cms between the clips. Conclusions: The system is modular and is designed to lie slightly off the bone causing minimal damage to the underlying periosteum and hence less disturbance to blood supply. The system is cost effective, less time consuming and mechanically reliable and stable for the given clinical situations. It has signiþcant advantage over the existing methods of þxation especially in paediatric orthopaedic and trauma situations.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
