External fixators are the traditional fixation method of choice for contaminated open fractures. However, patient acceptance is low due to the high profile and therefore physical burden of the constructs. An externalised locking compression plate is a low profile alternative. However, the biomechanical differences have not been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the axial and torsional stiffness of the externalised titanium locking compression plate (ET-LCP), the externalised stainless steel locking compression plate (ESS-LCP) and the unilateral external fixator (UEF). A fracture gap model was created to simulate comminuted mid-shaft tibia fractures using synthetic composite bones. Fifteen constructs were stabilised with ET-LCP, ESS-LCP or UEF (five constructs each). The constructs were loaded under both axial and torsional directions to determine construct stiffness.Objectives
Methods
A successful outcome following treatment of nonunion requires the correct identification of all of the underlying cause(s) and addressing them appropriately. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution and frequency of causative factors in a consecutive cohort of nonunion patients in order to optimise the management strategy for individual patients presenting with nonunion. Causes of the nonunion were divided into four categories: mechanical; infection; dead bone with a gap; and host. Prospective and retrospective data of 100 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for long bone fracture nonunion were analysed.Objectives
Methods
Because of the contradictory body of evidence related to the
potential benefits of helical blades in trochanteric fracture fixation,
we studied the effect of bone compaction resulting from the insertion
of a proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA). We developed a subject-specific computational model of a trochanteric
fracture (31-A2 in the AO classification) with lack of medial support
and varied the bone density to account for variability in bone properties
among hip fracture patients.Objectives
Methods
The objective of this study was to determine if a synthetic bone
substitute would provide results similar to bone from osteoporotic
femoral heads during Pushout studies were performed with the dynamic hip screw (DHS)
and the DHS Blade in both cadaveric femoral heads and artificial
bone substitutes in the form of polyurethane foam blocks of different
density. The pushout studies were performed as a means of comparing
the force displacement curves produced by each implant within each
material.Introduction
Methods