A linear-actuated torsional device to replicate clinically relevant spiral fractures in long bones

To better understand the mechanisms underlying spiral fracture we would like to carry out biomechanical tests of long bones loaded in torsion to failure. A device was fabricated to perform torsional tests of long bones using a single-axis linear actuator. The principal operation of the device was to transform the vertical displacement of a material testing machine's linear actuator into rotational movement using a spur gear and rack system. Accuracy and precision of the device were quantified using cast-acrylic rods with known torque-rotation behavior. Cadaveric experimentation was used to replicate a clinically relevant spiral fracture in eleven human proximal tibiae; strain-gage data were recorded for a single specimen. The device had an experimental error of less than 0.2 Nm and was repeatable to within 0.3%. Strain gage data were in line with those expected from pure torsion and the cadaveric tibiae illustrated spiral fractures at ultimate torque and rotation values of 130.6 +/- 53.2 Nm and 8.3 +/- 1.5 degrees, respectively. Ultimate torque was highly correlated with DXA assessed bone mineral density (r = 0.87; p < 0.00 1). The device presented is applicable to any torsional testing of long bone when only a single-axis linear actuator is available.