[Biomechanical study on the calcaneal fracture fixed by the self-designed calcaneal anatomical plate and pre-cut gudgeon].
OBJECTIVE
To study the biomechanical properties of self-designed calcaneal anatomical plate and pre-cut gudgeon system and its efficacy for calcaneal fracture fixation.


METHODS
Sixteen fresh foot specimens were randomly divided into experimental group and the control group. Axial compressive load were applied to all specimens in order to create a calcaneal fracture model, and the maximum load and the maximum arch displacement of experimental group were recorded. In experimental group, self-designed intenal fixation system were utilized, while the AO plate internal fixation system were utilized in the control group. Axial compressive test were applied again to both groups, and the maximum load, the foot arch displacement and calcanus broadens were measured and recorded.


RESULTS
Comparison between before and after fixing the calcaneus fracture by self-designed internal fixation system in experimental group, the difference of the maximum load was significant (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference (P>0.05) of the maximum arch displacement. All parameters were significantly different (P<0.01) between the experimental group and the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
The fractured calcaneus will be able to regain normal foot biomechanical function after treated by self-designed internal fixation system, and able to support foot arch to bear great load. The self-designed internal fixation and pre-cut gudgeon system is considered to outperform the conventional AO internal fixation system with its better effectiveness and outcome in treating calcaneus fractures.
Chen
Zhan-fa
ZF
Department of Emergency Orthopaedics, the 3rd Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei, China. chenzhanfa126@126.com
Li
Xi-cheng
XC
Zhao
Hai-tao
HT
Zhang
Feng-qi
FQ
Guo
Ming-ke
MK
Zhang
Qi
Q
Chen
Wei
W
Zhang
Ying-ze
YZ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D002111:Calcaneus / Q000293:injuries* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055815:Young Adult