Comparative biomechanics of the sliding screw-plate and the Bousquet nail-plate

Abstract

Four stable and 12 unstable trochanteric fractures were produced in human cadavers and fixed with either a sliding screw-plate or the Bousquet nail-plate. Axial cyclic loading showed that both implants were satisfactory for stable fractures. The sliding screw-plate withstood increased loads and the system failed at a later cycle in unstable fractures. Central placement of both the sliding screw or nail enhances stability, especially against torsional forces.