Two new intramedullary implant designs for phalanx fixation in digital replantation: an experimental study

Bone fixation in digital replantation must provide adequate rigidity, and must be applied in a fast and easy manner. Various fixation methods have been used so far with certain advantages and disadvantages. The authors report two new intramedullary proximal phalangeal implant designs to secure two amputated bone segments tightly. They compare their intramedullary implants with commonly applied K-wire fixation methods and plate fixation via biomechanical analysis in terms of bending rigidity and distraction strength. Their two-sided asymmetrical screw provided the highest rigidity and distraction strength, whereas the hook-trap system was nearly equal to cross-K-wire fixation. Intramedullary bone fixation may be a feasible method of bone fixation, and resorbable implant materials and different implant configurations deserve further investigation.