A Biomechanical Comparison of Trochanteric Nail Proximal Screw Configurations in a Subtrochanteric Fracture Model

Abstract

This study shows that axial failure loads of the crossed-screw configuration were greater than those of the parallel screw configuration. Clinically, this provides the surgeon more options for stabilizing a subtrochanteric femur fracture. This decision may be made intra-operatively if necessary, facilitating fracture fixation and providing a stable construct.

Biomechanical Comparison of Dynamic Hip Screw, Proximal Femoral Nail, Cannulated Screw, and Monoaxial External Fixation in the Treatment of Basicervical Femoral Neck Fractures

“…Usage of artificial bone models is a frequent method in biomechanical studies (10,12). Though these models, manufactured from polyurethane foam having a cancellous inner part and a harder cortical part, may not thoroughly mimic biomechanical behaviors of human bone, they offer standard sizes and characteristics, minimizing the probable bias created by variations in bone models (10,23). This ensured minimal impact of probable alterations of specimens' bone quality on our results.…”

“…Ideal test material concerning fixation of the fracture is suggested to be human cadaver bone (10,13). Due to difficulties in access to cadaver bone and prohibition of handling of bone tissue materials for scientific researches in institution of forensic medicine, we conducted our experimental study on synthetic composite bone models.…”

“…Due to difficulties in access to cadaver bone and prohibition of handling of bone tissue materials for scientific researches in institution of forensic medicine, we conducted our experimental study on synthetic composite bone models. Usage of artificial bone models is a frequent method in biomechanical studies (10,12). Though these models, manufactured from polyurethane foam having a cancellous inner part and a harder cortical part, may not thoroughly mimic biomechanical behaviors of human bone, they offer standard sizes and characteristics, minimizing the probable bias created by variations in bone models (10,23).…”