Biomechanical performance of a novel light-curable bone fixation technique

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Traumatic bone fractures often require surgical fixation (osteosynthesis) for proper healing.
• Current metal-based osteosynthesis materials have limitations, especially in complex fractures, due to rigidity and lack of customization.
• Metal plates can cause joint stiffness and soft tissue adhesions, particularly in phalanx fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the biomechanical performance of a novel light-curable polymer composite (AdhFix) with conventional metal plates for osteosynthesis.
• To evaluate AdhFix's suitability as a customizable and versatile solution for bone fracture fixation.

Main Methods:

• A sheep phalanx model was used to test osteosynthesis methods.
• Seven groups were established, varying loading conditions (bending, torsion), osteotomy gap size, and fixation type/size.
• Biomechanical properties, including stiffness and load-bearing capacity, were measured and compared between AdhFix and metal plates.

Main Results:

• AdhFix demonstrated statistically higher stiffness in torsion and reduced fractures under bending.
• Metal plates were stiffer in unreduced fractures and withstood higher torques and bending moments.
• AdhFix showed comparable mechanical properties to metal plates within physiological loading ranges.

Conclusions:

• The AdhFix platform is a viable and customizable osteosynthesis solution.
• AdhFix offers comparable mechanical performance to traditional metal plates under physiological conditions.
• AdhFix presents a promising alternative, particularly where customization and reduced soft tissue complications are desired.