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A Reliable and Reproducible Critical-Sized Segmental Femoral Defect Model in Rats Stabilized with a Custom External Fixator
Published on: March 24, 2019
Fixation of long bone segmental defects: a biomechanical study
Max Talbot1, Rad Zdero, Daniel Garneau
11 Canadian Field Hospital, Canadian Forces, Petawawa, ON, Canada K8H 2X3. max_talbot@hotmail.com
Injury
|January 1, 2008
Summary
For long bone non-unions with defects, structural allografts offer superior stiffness and load to failure compared to locking plates alone. Consider allografts for enhanced stability in challenging cases.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic biomechanics
- Biomaterials science
- Surgical innovation
Background:
- Long bone non-unions with segmental defects present fixation challenges, often with compromised bone quality.
- Current clinical strategies include locking plates and structural allografts for stabilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To biomechanically compare three fixation constructs for long bone non-unions with segmental defects.
Main Methods:
- A biomechanical study utilized composite femurs with a diaphyseal segmental defect.
- Three constructs were tested: lateral locking plate (LP), non-locking plate with medial strut allograft (S), and non-locking plate with intramedullary fibula allograft (F).
- Axial, torsional, and bending stiffness, along with load to failure, were measured.
Main Results:
- Construct S demonstrated the highest stiffness, while LP was the least stiff; construct F had intermediate stiffness.
- Load to failure was significantly greater for construct S (6108N) and F (5344N) compared to LP (2855N).
Conclusions:
- Structural allografts (S and F) provide superior biomechanical stability over locking plates (LP) for long bone non-unions with defects.
- Clinical decisions should balance the need for maximal stiffness with biological and anatomical considerations.
