In vitro mechanical evaluation of torsional loading in simulated canine tibiae for a novel hourglass-shaped interlocking nail with a self-tapping tapered locking design.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a novel interlocking nail (ILN) and locking system and compare the torsional properties of constructs implanted with the novel ILN or a standard 8-mm ILN (ILN8) by use of a gap-fracture model.


METHODS
8 synthetic specimens modeled from canine tibiae.


METHODS
An hourglass-shaped ILN featuring a tapered locking mechanism was designed. A synthetic bone model was custom-made to represent canine tibiae with a 50-mm comminuted diaphyseal fracture. Specimens were repaired by use of a novel ILN or an ILN8 with screws. Specimens were loaded for torsional measurements. Construct compliance and angular deformation were compared.


RESULTS
Compliance of the ILN8 was significantly smaller than that of the novel ILN. Mean +/- SD maximum angular deformation of the ILN8 construct (23.12 +/- 0.65 degrees) was significantly greater, compared with that of the novel ILN construct (9.45 +/- 0.22 degrees). Mean construct slack for the ILN8 group was 15.15 +/- 0.63 degrees, whereas no slack was detected for the novel ILN construct. Mean angular deformation for the ILN8 construct once slack was overcome was significantly less, compared with that of the novel ILN construct.


CONCLUSIONS
Analysis of results of this study suggests that engineering of the locking mechanism enabled the novel hourglass-shaped ILN system to eliminate torsional instability associated with the use of current ILNs. Considering the potential deleterious effect of torsional deformation on bone healing, the novel ILN may represent a biomechanically more effective fixation method, compared with current ILNs, for the treatment of comminuted diaphyseal fractures.
Déjardin
Loïc M
LM
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
Lansdowne
Jennifer L
JL
Sinnott
Michael T
MT
Sidebotham
Christopher G
CG
Haut
Roger C
RC
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D006801:Humans; D009262:Nails; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013977:Tibia / Q000502:physiology*