title: Mechanical characteristics of the new BONE-LOK bi-cortical internal fixation device.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical characteristics of a new and unique titanium compression anchor with BONE-LOK (Triage Medical, Inc, Irvine, CA) technology for compressive, bi-cortical internal fixation of bone. This device provides fixation through the use of a distal grasping anchor and an adjustable proximal collar that are joined by an axially movable pin and guide wire. The titanium compression anchor, in 2.0-, 2.7-, and 3.5-mm diameters, were compared with cortex screws (Synthes USA, Paoli, PA) of the same diameter and material for pullout strength in 20 lb/cu ft and 30 lb/cu ft solid rigid polyurethane foam; and for compression strength in 20 lb/cu ft foam. Retention strength of the collar was tested independently. The results showed significantly greater pullout strength of the 2.7-mm and 3.5-mm titanium compression anchor as compared with the 2.7-mm and 3.5-mm cortex screws in these test models. Pullout strength of the 2.0-mm titanium compression anchor was not statistically different in comparison with the 2.0-mm cortical screws. Compression strength of the titanium compression anchor was significantly greater than the cortical screws for all diameters tested. These differences represent a distinct advantage with the new device, which warrants further in vivo testing. Collar retention strength testing values were obtained for reference only and have no comparative significance.
authors.affiliation: Aestheticare Podiatric Surgical Residency Program, San Juan Capistrano.
authors.forename: Victor V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: Cachia
authors.forename: Don
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Shumway
authors.forename: Brad
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Culbert
authors.forename: Marty
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Padget
mesh_terms: D001863:Bone Screws / Q000592:standards*; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation; D016268:Internal Fixators / Q000592:standards*; D008422:Materials Testing; D019563:Mechanics; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000295:instrumentation; D011312:Pressure