title: Biomechanical comparison of two fixation methods for first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Instrumentation Laboratory, Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21224-2780, USA.
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Molloy
authors.forename: Bradd G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Burkhart
authors.forename: Louis E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Jasper
authors.forename: Matthew C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Solan
authors.forename: John T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.forename: Stephen M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Belkoff
mesh_terms: 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*