Biomechanical studies comparing fixation constructs are predictable and do not relate to the significant clinical problems. We believe there is a need for more careful use of resources in the lab and better collaboration with surgeons to enhance clinical relevance. It is our impression that many biomechanical studies invest substantial resources studying the obvious: that open reduction and internal fixation with more and larger metal is stronger. Studies that investigate “which construct is the strongest?” are distracted from the more clinically important question of “how strong is strong enough?”. The aim of this study is to show that specific biomechanical questions do not require formal testing. This study tested our hypothesis that the outcome of a subset of peer reviewed biomechanical studies comparing fracture fixation constructs can be predicted based on common sense with great accuracy and good interobserver reliability.Summary
Introduction
