The Biomechanics of Intramedullary Fixation Devices for the Lower Limb

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this paper is to report on the mechanical behavior of a large variety of intramedullary fixation devices in a manner that reflects their potential clinical behavior.
Design: The mechanical failure modes associated with intramedullary fixation devices clinically were reproduced by a series of in vitro tests in cadaver bones and then in synthetic models in an effort to produce a simple and reliable means of evaluating their potential clinical mechanical performance. The results of static and fatigue tests using these methods are reported. The biomechanical properties of a large variety of designs of intramedullary fixation devices are compared.
Setting: Biomechanics laboratory of a medical school at a major medical center.
Main Outcome Measure: Structural bending stiffness, bending strength, fatigue strength and mechanical failure modes were measured and recorded.
Results: Since 1986 almost 2 000 components of 185 designs and sizes of femoral and tibial IMFD's from 9 different manufacturers have been tested.

Key words

Trauma - internal fixation - long bones

References

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