title: Does the IOFIX improve compression in ankle fusion?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The new IOFIX is an intra-osseous fixation device comprising an "X-post" through which a lag screw passes to apparently improve force distribution across an arthrodesis. We conducted a novel human cadaveric study. Our null hypothesis was no difference in force exists in an ankle arthrodesis model stabilized with the IOFIX or a conventional single lag screw.
  
  
  METHODS
  In ten cadaver ankles a pressure transducer was compressed as an IOFIX and standard single lag screws were alternately compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median average force created by the IOFIX was 3.95kg and 2.4kg for the single conventional lag screw (p⩽0.01). The IOFIX improved contact area across the arthrodesis with a median average of 3.41cm(2) compared with 2.42cm(2) in the lag screw group (p⩽0.03).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest an IOFIX improves force distribution across an ankle arthrodesis compared with a single conventional lag screw.
authors.affiliation: SpR Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Brockley Hill, Stanmore, Middlesex HA74LP, United Kingdom. Electronic address: lee.parker06@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Barnet Hospital, Wellhouse Lane, Barnet, Hertfordshire EN5 3DJ, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Pinak
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Regensburg, Department of Traumatology, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee, Regensburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grechenig
authors.affiliation: AUVA Trauma Hospital, Graz, Gostingerstrasse 24, 8020 Graz, Austria.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Grechenig
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001863:Bone Screws; D002102:Cadaver; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices
keywords: Arthrodesis; Compression; Fusion; IOFIX; Lag screw; X-post