Biomechanical comparison of two fixation methods for first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical stability of two methods of fixation for arthrodesis of the hallux metatarsophalangeal joint: 1. a technique using an intramedullary screw and 2. a standard technique using crossed interfragmentary compression screws.


METHODS
The metatarsophalangeal joint was mechanically evaluated in cantilever bending using a servohydraulic testing machine. Differences in stiffness and strength parameters between the two techniques were checked for significance (P<0.05) using a paired t-test.


RESULTS
Fixation provided by the intramedullary screw was stiffer and stronger than that from crossed compression screws.


CONCLUSIONS
The stronger and stiffer intramedullary screw technique offers mechanical advantages over the crossed interfragmentary screw technique.
Molloy
Sean
S
Orthopaedic Instrumentation Laboratory, Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21224-2780, USA.
Burkhart
Bradd G
BG
Jasper
Louis E
LE
Solan
Matthew C
MC
Campbell
John T
JT
Belkoff
Stephen M
SM
D000368:Aged; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001863:Bone Screws; D002102:Cadaver; D006214:Hallux; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008683:Metatarsophalangeal Joint / Q000601:surgery*