Biomechanical Evaluation of the Cylindrical
Titanium Mesh Cage for the Treatment
of Segmental Defects of the Tibia

Abstract

The combination of a cylindrical titanium mesh cage with an intramedullary nail is a new technique in the management of long segmental bony defects. Clinical case report studies have shown the significant advantages of this method, like immediate full weight bearing and early functional recovery of the involved extremity. A biomechanical investigation of this construct showed its high stability. Load to failure tests resulted in bone breakage. There was no hardware failure. Neither the nail, the locking bolts nor the cage broke or were deformed. Also, precompression of the cage resulted in a statistically significant higher stiffness of the construct using the nail with the cylindrical titanium mesh cage. Therefore, a compression nail is recommended in the clinical use of this technique when significant segmental bony defects are reconstructed.

Key words

Cylindrical titanium mesh cage - interlocking nail - tibial segmental defect - biomechanical tests - precompression

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