[Study of osteosynthesis strength in femoral neck fractures stabilized with a Zespol hip fixator]

Strength study have been carried out on two different osteotomies of the femoral neck stabilized with Zespol hip fixator, performed on fresh specimens taken out from cadaver. Stability of fixation has been assessed in transverse osteotomy of the neck (Pauwels I type of fracture) and in one parallel to the long axis of the femur (Pauwels III type). The results were compared to similar studies including different fixing methods (DHS, Thornton nail, von Bahr screw, Knowles pin) but identical types of osteotomy, published by other authors. Zespol fixation proved to be equal and frequently superior over other modalities in terms of mechanical stability.