Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2022; 35(04): A1-A14
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1758261
Podium Abstracts

Comparison of Interlocking Nail to Locking Compression Plate Fixation of Critically Sized Ovine Tibial Defects

Authors

  • B. Nelson

    1   College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

  • J. Johnson

    2   College of Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

  • D. Koch

    1   College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

  • Q. Smith

    2   College of Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

  • B. Gadomski

    2   College of Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

  • R. Palmer

    1   College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

  • J. Easley

    1   College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
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Introduction: Critically sized mid-diaphyseal defects are challenging to treat. Despite the use of interlocking nails (ILNs) and locking compression plates (LCPs) in orthopaedic research, the best stabilization technique to restore the mechanics of the intact bone is unknown in ovine models. We hypothesize that large diameter ILN stabilization will restore bending and torsional rigidity more closely than LCP.

Materials and Methods: Twelve hindlimbs were acquired from skeletally mature ewes. Treatment groups include an 8 mm diameter ILN (ILN-8), 10 mm ILN (ILN-10), and 4.5 mm broad LCP and intact (control) tibia (n = 3/group). A mid tibia 5 cm osteotomy was created (except in controls). A custom guide maintained the defect size during implantation. Non-destructive mechanical testing of constructs was performed in axial compression, four-point bending and torsion. Stiffness was calculated from the load-displacement curve. Statistical comparisons were made between groups.

Results: Axial rigidity of ILN-8 (6% decrease) and ILN-10 (10% increase) most closely replicated intact tibias. The LCP was 53% lower than intact. Bending rigidity of ILN-10 most closely matched the intact (18% decrease). ILN-8 bending rigidity was 55% lower and LCP was 43% higher than intact. Torsional rigidity of ILN-10 most closely matched the intact (47% decrease, p = 0.002). ILN-8 (75% decrease, p <0.001) and LCP (51% decrease, p <0.001) both had significantly decreased torsional rigidity compared with intact.

Discussion/Conclusion: The ILN-10 best restored rigidity of intact tibias. The LCP group was strongest in bending, though had slightly lower torsional rigidity. Further study will validate ILN-10 and LCP use under in vivo loading conditions.

Acknowledgements: There was no proprietary interest or funding provided for this project.


No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
26 October 2022

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