Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
An Intramedullary Locking Nail for Standardized Fixation of Femur Osteotomies to Analyze Normal and Defective Bone Healing in Mice
Published on: November 13, 2016
Comparison of calcaneal fixation of a retrograde intramedullary nail with a fixed-angle spiral blade versus a
Kajetan Klos1, Boyko Gueorguiev, Karsten Schwieger
1AO Foundation, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270 Davos Platz, Switzerland. kajetan.klos@aofoundation.org
Background:
Retrograde intramedullary nailing is an established technique for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA). In poor bone stock (osteoporosis, neuroarthropathy), device fixation in the hindfoot remains a problem. Fixed-angle spiral-blade fixation of the nail in the calcaneus could be useful.
Materials And Methods:
In seven matched pairs of human below-knee specimens, bone mineral density (BMD) was determined, and TTCA was performed with an intramedullary nail (Synthes Hindfoot Arthrodesis Nail HAN Expert Nailing System), using a conventional screw plus a fixed-angle spiral blade versus a conventional screw plus a fixed-angle screw, in the calcaneus. The constructs were subjected to quasi-static loading (dorsiflexion/plantarflexion, varus/valgus, rotation) and to cyclic loading to failure. Parameters studied were construct neutral zone (NZ) and range of motion (ROM), and number of cycles to failure.
Results:
With dorsiflexion/plantarflexion loading, the screw-plus-spiral-blade constructs had a significantly smaller ROM in the quasi-static test (p = 0.028) and early in the cyclic test (p = 0.02); differences in the other parameters were not significant. There was a significant correlation between BMD and cycles to failure for the two-screw constructs (r = 0.94; p = 0.002) and for the screw-plus-spiral-blade constructs (r = 0.86; p = 0.014).
Conclusion:
In TTCA with a HAN Expert Nailing System, the use of a calcaneal spiral blade can further reduce motion within the construct. This may be especially useful in poor bone stock.
Clinical Relevance:
Results obtained in this study could be used to guide the operating surgeon's TTCA strategy.
More Related Videos
06:41A Minimally Invasive Model to Analyze Endochondral Fracture Healing in Mice Under Standardized Biomechanical Conditions
Published on: March 22, 2018
04:41Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:16Self-Locking Screw
A square-threaded screw jack carrying a load is considered self-locking if the screw retains its position even after the moment applied to it is removed.
01:17Frictional Forces on Screws
A jack with a square-threaded screw is a mechanical device used to lift heavy loads by applying a force at its handle. When the force is applied, the screw turns, raising the load. The screw can...