title: Inherent Strength of the osteo-WEDGE(™) Bone Plate Locking System for Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsocuneiform Joint: A Biomechanical Study.
abstract: First metatarsocuneiform joint arthrodesis with a locking bone plate and screw system has been effectively used to correct metatarsus primus varus and instability of the first ray. The goal of the present cadaveric biomechanical study was to quantify and compare the inherent strength of the first metatarsocuneiform joint and surrounding bones fixated with the osteo-WEDGE(™) bone plate locking system (OW) with that of intact specimens. Fourteen fresh-frozen adult human cadaveric foot specimens consisting of the first metatarsal and medial cuneiform bones with intact joint capsules and ligaments were used. The OW was implanted in 7 of these specimens at the first metatarsal cuneiform joint (MCJ), and the remaining 7 specimens were left intact. Each of the specimens was then subjected to axial force to simulate dorsiflexion of the first metatarsal using a cantilever bending test setup. Load was applied on the plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head until failure of the construct. The mean load and bending moment on the first MCJ at failure for the implanted specimens were 119.98 ± 56.76 N and 5.57 ± 2.71 Nm, respectively. For the intact specimens, the mean load and bending moment on the first MCJ at failure were 107.93 ± 60.90 N and 6.07 ± 3.18 Nm, respectively. None of the specimens showed catastrophic failure within the physiologic loading limits. These results imply that the mechanical strength of the OW is comparable to that of intact specimens. Thus, the first MCJ and surrounding bones fixated with an OW should be able to effectively withstand the vertical ground reaction forces the same as intact specimens.
authors.affiliation: Director, Graham International Implant Institute, Macomb, MI. Electronic address: mgraham@grahamiii.com.
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.affiliation: Research Assistant, Graham International Implant Institute, Macomb, MI.
authors.forename: Avanthi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chikka
authors.affiliation: Distinguished University Professor, Endowed Chair and McMaster-Gardner Professor of Orthopaedic Bioengineering, and Co-Director, Engineering Center for Orthopaedic Research Excellence (E-CORE), Departments of Bioengineering and Orthopaedic Surgery, Colleges of Engineering and Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH.
authors.forename: Vijay K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Goel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001174:Arthrodesis / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001860:Bone Plates; D006215:Hallux Valgus / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008682:Metatarsal Bones / Q000601:surgery; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013639:Tarsal Bones / Q000601:surgery; D013640:Tarsal Joints / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: biomechanics; bone plate; first ray instability; metatarsocuneiform arthrodesis; metatarsus primus varus; screws