Small joint arthrodesis technique using a dowel bone graft in a rabbit model

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• The dowel bone graft technique is established for ankle fusion.
• Clinical outcomes of dowel bone grafting for small joint fusion remain largely uninvestigated.
• Small joint arthrodesis often presents surgical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the dowel bone graft technique for small joint arthrodesis.
• To compare the dowel bone graft technique against a conventional open arthrodesis method.
• To assess fusion rates, mechanical strength, and histological outcomes in a rabbit elbow model.

Main Methods:

• 28 rabbits were divided into two groups: conventional arthrodesis and dowel bone graft arthrodesis.
• Arthrodesis was performed surgically in each group.
• Specimens were analyzed after 8 weeks via radiography, mechanical testing (torque to failure, stiffness), and histology.

Main Results:

• Fusion rates were 77% for conventional and 93% for dowel bone graft (p=0.326).
• Mechanical testing revealed no significant difference in torque to failure (0.86 Nm vs 0.77 Nm, p=0.464) or stiffness (0.11 Nm/deg vs 0.11 Nm/deg, p=0.832).
• Histological analysis in the dowel graft group showed cartilage absorption and inflammation.

Conclusions:

• The dowel bone graft technique is a less invasive and simpler surgical option for small joint arthrodesis.
• This study did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference in union rate or fusion strength between the two methods in the rabbit elbow model.
• Further research may be warranted to explore the long-term benefits and applications of the dowel bone graft technique in small joint fusion.