PubMed · 8409671
Spiral fracture fixation techniques. A biomechanical study.
Abstract
The mechanical strengths of five common fixation techniques for spiral fractures have been tested. A total of 240 cadaver metacarpals and proximal phalanges were fractured and fixed by either crossed K-wires, interosseous loops, a dorsal mini-plate, a single compression screw or K-wire plus cerclage wire. Specimens were subjected to torsional and cantilever bending tests. A single compression screw provided the best overall fixation for the proximal phalanx. In addition, a single compression screw provided better fixation than any of the other techniques when proximal phalanges and metacarpals were subjected to torsional tests (P < 0.05). In apex dorsal bending tests of metacarpals, the screw provided fixation superior to interosseous wires, crossed K-wires, or dorsal mini-plates (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the use of a single compression screw provides the most satisfactory biomechanical advantage for spiral fracture fixation.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Explore connections, maps & timelines
H S Matloub, P L Jensen, J R Sanger, B K Grunert, N J Yousif. 1993. Spiral fracture fixation techniques. A biomechanical study.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0266-7681(93)90162-9
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.