Carbon fibre composite bone plates. Development, evaluation and early clinical experience.
We compared the mechanical properties of carbon fibre composite bone plates with those of stainless steel and titanium. The composite plates have less stiffness with good fatigue properties. Tissue culture and small animal implantation confirmed the biocompatibility of the material. We also present a preliminary report on the use of the carbon fibre composite plates in 40 forearm fractures. All fractures united, 67% of them showing radiological remodelling within six months. There were no refractures or mechanical failures, but five fractures showed an unexpected reaction; this is discussed.
Ali
M S
MS
Hartshill Orthopaedic Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, England.
French
T A
TA
Hastings
G W
GW
Rae
T
T
Rushton
N
N
Ross
E R
ER
Wynn-Jones
C H
CH
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D002244:Carbon / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000166:cytology; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D002244:Carbon