title: A comparative study of wire fixation and screw fixation in arthrodesis for the correction of hallux rigidus using an in vitro biomechanical model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Arthrodesis of the great toe metatarsophalangeal joint for osteoarthritis usually involves internal fixation. Ideally, the fixation method should be reproducible, leading to a high rate of fusion and minimal complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  This biomechanical study compares circumferential wire and screw fixation methods of arthrodesis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The two arthrodesis models have remarkably similar limits of elastic and plastic deformation. However, in the screw, failure by permanent deformation occurs at a load six times higher than the wire.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of circumferential wire fixation for osteoporotic bones in which screw purchase is poor is reasonable and for quality bone, screw fixation may be preferable.
authors.affiliation: Airedale General Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics, Skipton Road, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD20 6TD, and Medical Engineering Department, Biomechanical Laboratory, University of Bradford, United Kingdom. shevanfaraj@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Adnan A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Faraj
authors.forename: Asheem
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Naraen
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Twigg
mesh_terms: D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001863:Bone Screws; D001864:Bone Wires; D020859:Hallux Rigidus / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological