Technical Errors May Affect Accuracy of Torque Limiter in Locking Plate Osteosynthesis.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Surgical Instrumentation

Background:

• Locking plate osteosynthesis is a common surgical procedure.
• Proper surgical technique is essential to minimize complications.
• Torque limiters are used to control screw insertion torque.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of torque limiters under various surgical techniques.
• To determine how different rotational speeds and power sources affect torque limiter performance.
• To identify optimal techniques for accurate torque limiting during screw insertion.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two torque limiters (1.5 Nm) were tested for accuracy.
• Testing involved hand and drill power at low and high rotational velocities.
• Maximum torque readings were recorded after each torque-limiting event.

Main Results:

• Hand power at low velocity yielded a mean torque of 1.49 Nm (±0.15 Nm).
• Hand power at high velocity resulted in a mean torque of 3.73 Nm (±0.79 Nm).
• Drill power at low velocity yielded a mean torque of 1.47 Nm (±0.14 Nm).
• Drill power at high velocity resulted in a mean torque of 5.37 Nm (±0.90 Nm).
• A maximum torque of 9.0 Nm was recorded with drill power at high velocity.

Conclusions:

• Surgical technique significantly impacts torque limiter accuracy.
• Improper technique can lead to excessive insertion torque and potential complications.
• Optimal technique involves slow hand power or carefully controlled drill power for reliable torque limiting.