In vitro Biomechanical Analysis of Proximal Phalangeal Osteotomy Fixation.

Abstract

Background \u2003Corrective osteotomies of the proximal phalanx are typically stabilized with plate and screws. Although intramedullary headless screws form an alternative fixation method in the treatment of acute phalangeal fractures, reports about fixation of opening wedge corrective osteotomies with these implants are lacking. Objective \u2003The goal of the present study was to biomechanically compare the failure force of both fixation methods for this specific indication. Methods \u2003Twenty-four cadaver phalanges were equally distributed between apex volar and apex lateral opening wedge osteotomy groups. In each group, half of the osteotomies were fixed with a 1.3-mm dorsal locking plate, the other half with a 2.4-mm intramedullary headless screw. A three-point bending test was performed. Results \u2003The mean maximal failure force after apex lateral osteotomy was 178.4\u2009N for the plate-screw construct and 144.0\u2009N after intramedullary headless screw fixation. After apex volar osteotomy, mean maximal force was 237.6\u2009N in the plate-screw group and 160.9\u2009N in the intramedullary headless screw group. Mean stiffness after apex lateral osteotomy was 63.3\u2009N/mm in the plate-screw group, and 55.9\u2009N/mm in the intramedullary headless screw group. Mean stiffness after apex volar osteotomy was 197.5\u2009N/mm and 60.0\u2009N/mm for the plate-screw and intramedullary headless screw group, respectively. Conclusion \u2003For apex volar osteotomies, dorsally applied angular stable plate and screws provide significantly stronger fixation than intramedullary headless screws. For apex lateral osteotomies, fixation force is comparable. Clinical relevance \u2003These data are useful when considering fixation of opening wedge osteotomies with intramedullary screws.