This brief paper discusses the need for instrumentation in orthopaedic implants, and examines areas for further research and development. It is suggested that the future of this technology may have major clinical applications.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed1989

Torsional moment to failure for carbon fibre polysulphone expandable rivets as compared with stainless steel screws for carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy fracture plate fixation.

A method of securing carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy bone plates with carbon fibre polysulphone expanding rivets was investigated. Six carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy bone plates were secured to rods with carbon fibre polysulphone rivets and six were secured with standard cortical stainless steel screws. These constructions were then subjected to pure torsional load to failure. The carbon fibre expandable rivets failed at a greater torsional moment.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed1989

Segmental spinal instrumentation. A study of the mechanical properties of materials used for sublaminar fixation.

Segmental spinal instrumentation with sublaminar fixation is widely used but a variety of materials and techniques are being employed for both scoliosis and other spinal surgery. This study addresses the question as to which is best. Both the materials and the methods of securing them were studied. The materials tested were stainless steel 316L, Ortron 90 high nitrogen steel, titanium alloys, nylon straps, and Mersilene tapes. Doubled cold-worked 00.84-mm diameter stainless steel formed in a knot with a twist proved to be the strongest and most secure means of fixation with a yield value of 1,610 N. Attention to the details of technique and material such as the incorporation of a secondary twist and avoidance of hot-worked stainless steel may reduce the incidence of implant failure.

Bone Wires↗

PubMed1987

Primary nerve tumours of the brachial plexus.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1983

Stop and go particle transport in the peripheral airways? A model study.

Using an experimental model, it has been demonstrated that the compression and expansion of a monomolecular film permits a unidirectional transport of particles which are present on this film. The possibility of similar transport mechanisms in the peripheral airways is discussed as one can assume that analogous dynamic conditions exist in the peripheral airways for the surfactant film.

Bronchi↗