Victor Kosmopoulos

Dual plating of humeral shaft fractures: orthogonal plates biomechanically outperform side-by-side plates.

BackgroundSingle large-fragment plate constructs currently are the norm for internal fixation of middiaphyseal humerus fractures. In cases where humeral size is limited, however, dual small-fragment locking plate constructs may serve as an alternative. The mechanical effects of different possible plate configurations around the humeral diaphysis may be important, but to our knowledge, have yet to be investigated.Questions/purposesWe used finite element analysis to compare the simulated mechanical performance of five different dual small-fragment locking plate construct configurations for humeral middiaphyseal fracture fixation in terms of (1) stiffness, (2) stress shielding of bone, (3) hardware stresses, and (4) interfragmentary strain.MethodsMiddiaphyseal humeral fracture fixation was simulated using the finite element method. Three 90° and two side-by-side seven-hole and nine-hole small-fragment dual locking plate configurations were tested in compression, torsion, and combined loading. The configurations chosen are based on implantation using either a posterior or anterolateral approach.ResultsAll three of the 90° configurations were more effective in restoring the intact compressive and torsional stiffness as compared with the side-by-side configurations, resulted in less stress shielding and stressed hardware, and showed interfragmentary strains between 5% to 10% in torsion and combined loading.ConclusionsThe nine-hole plate anterior and seven-hole plate lateral (90° apart) configuration provided the best fixation. Our findings show the mechanical importance of plate placement with relation to loading in dual-plate fracture-fixation constructs.Clinical RelevanceThe results presented provide novel biomechanical information for the orthopaedic surgeon considering different treatment options for middiaphyseal humeral fractures.

Dual small fragment plating improves screw-to-screw load sharing for mid-diaphyseal humeral fracture fixation: A finite element study

BACKGROUNDnA smaller humerus in some patients makes the use of a large fragment fixation plate difficult. Dual small fragment plate constructs have been suggested as an alternative.nnnOBJECTIVEnThis study compares the biomechanical performance of three single and one dual plate construct for mid-diaphyseal humeral fracture fixation.nnnMETHODSnFive humeral shaft finite element models (1 intact and 4 fixation) were loaded in torsion, compression, posterior-anterior (PA) bending, and lateral-medial (LM) bending. A comminuted fracture was simulated by a 1-cm gap. Fracture fixation was modelled by: (A) 4.5-mm 9-hole large fragment plate (wide), (B) 4.5-mm 9-hole large fragment plate (narrow), (C) 3.5-mm 9-hole small fragment plate, and (D) one 3.5-mm 9-hole small fragment plate and one 3.5-mm 7-hole small fragment plate.nnnRESULTSnModel A showed the best outcomes in torsion and PA bending, whereas Model D outperformed the others in compression and LM bending. Stress concentrations were located near and around the unused screw holes for each of the single plate models and at the neck of the screws just below the plates for all the models studied. Other than in PA bending, Model D showed the best overall screw-to-screw load sharing characteristics.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe results support using a dual small fragment locking plate construct as an alternative in cases where crutch weight-bearing (compression) tolerance may be important and where anatomy limits the size of the humerus bone segment available for large fragment plate fixation.

A Biomechanical Investigation of a Knotless Tension Band in Medial Malleolar Fracture Models in Composite Sawbones

The present study introduces a knotless tension band construct and compares its biomechanical behavior with that of a traditional stainless steel tension band construct. Fourth-generation composite tibial Sawbones(®) were used in the present study. Fracture models were created to mimic Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 44-B2.2 ankle fractures. A total of 20 specimens were randomized evenly into a stainless steel tension band group (control group); or a knotless tension band group. The fixation constructs were mechanically tested, and the stiffness and failure strengths were calculated. Two failure strengths were determined: the engineering-based failure strength, defined as the greatest tensile load tolerated by the construct; and the clinical failure strength, defined as the force required to displace the fracture by 2 mm. We used 2-tailed independent samples t tests to compare and identify significant differences. The knotless tension band construct was 7.7% stronger and 33.2% stiffer and required a 36.7% greater force to displace the fracture by 2 mm. Independent sample t tests confirmed that differences in mean stiffness (pxa0=xa0.003) and clinical failure strength (pxa0=xa0.003) were statistically significant. Although the mean engineering strength for the knotless group was greater than that for the stainless steel group, this difference was not statistically significant (pxa0=xa0.170). This knotless tension band construct could potentially offer both clinical and biomechanical advantages compared with the current stainless steel standard.

Radiographic total disc replacement angle measurement accuracy using the Oxford Cobbometer: precision and bias

Total disc replacement (TDR) clinical success has been reported to be related to the residual motion of the operated level. Thus, accurate measurement of TDR range of motion (ROM) is of utmost importance. One commonly used tool in measuring ROM is the Oxford Cobbometer. Little is known however on its accuracy (precision and bias) in measuring TDR angles. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the Cobbometer to accurately measure radiographic TDR angles. An anatomically accurate synthetic L4–L5 motion segment was instrumented with a CHARITE artificial disc. The TDR angle and anatomical position between L4 and L5 was fixed to prohibit motion while the motion segment was radiographically imaged in various degrees of rotation and elevation, representing a sample of possible patient placement positions. An experienced observer made ten readings of the TDR angle using the Cobbometer at each different position. The Cobbometer readings were analyzed to determine measurement accuracy at each position. Furthermore, analysis of variance was used to study rotation and elevation of the motion segment as treatment factors. Cobbometer TDR angle measurements were most accurate (highest precision and lowest bias) at the centered position (95.5%), which placed the TDR directly inline with the x-ray beam source without any rotation. In contrast, the lowest accuracy (75.2%) was observed in the most rotated and off-centered view. A difference as high as 4° between readings at any individual position, and as high as 6° between all the positions was observed. Furthermore, the Cobbometer was unable to detect the expected trend in TDR angle projection with changing position. Although the Cobbometer has been reported to be reliable in different clinical applications, it lacks the needed accuracy to measure TDR angles and ROM. More accurate ROM measurement methods need to be developed to help surgeons and researchers assess radiological success of TDRs.

Fully Threaded Versus Partially Threaded Screws: Determining Shear in Cancellous Bone Fixation.

Many researchers have studied and compared various forms of intraosseous fixation. No studies have examined the effects of shear through stiffness and failure strength of a fully threaded versus a partially threaded screw. Our hypothesis was that the fully threaded lag screw technique would provide greater shear strength and resistance. Thirty-six synthetic sawbone blocks were used to test screw fixation. In group 1 (nxa0=xa09), 2 blocks were fixed together using a fully threaded 4.0-mm stainless steel cancellous bone screw and the lag technique. In group 2 (nxa0=xa08), 2 blocks were fixed together using the standard manufacturer-recommended method for inserting 4.0-mm partially threaded stainless steel cancellous bone screws. The constructs were then mechanically tested. Shear was applied by compressing each construct at an axial displacement rate of 0.5 mm/s until failure. The fully threaded screw had a significantly greater (pxa0=xa0.026) initial stiffness (106.4xa0±xa015.8xa0N/mm) than the partially threaded screw (80.1xa0±xa027.5xa0N/mm). The yield load and displacement for the fully threaded group (429.4xa0±xa011.7xa0N and 7.2xa0±xa00.35xa0mm) were 64% and 67% greater than those for the partially threaded screw group (261.4xa0±xa026.1xa0N and 4.3xa0±xa01.03xa0mm), respectively. The results of the present study have demonstrated the importance of a full-thread construct to prevent shear and to decrease strain at the fracture. The confirmation of our hypothesis questions the future need and use of partially threaded screws for cancellous bone fixation.

Stability of Locking Plate and Compression Screws for Lapidus Arthrodesis: A Biomechanical Comparison of Plate Position

ABSTRACT Lapidus (first tarsometatarsal joint) arthrodesis is an established and widely used procedure for the management of moderate to severe hallux valgus, especially in cases involving hypermobility of the first tarsometatarsal joint. Multiple fixation methods are available, and several previous investigations have studied the relative strengths of these methods, including dorsomedial and plantar plating comparisons. However, these studies compared plates of varying designs and mechanical properties and used varying modes of compression and interfragmentary screw techniques. The present study mechanically investigated the resulting motion, stiffness, and strength of identical locking plate constructs fixed at various anatomic positions around the first tarsometatarsal joint. In a bench‐top study, fourth‐generation composite bones were divided into 3 fixation groups, each having identical interfragmentary screw applications, and randomized to 1 of 3 plate positions: dorsal, medial, or plantar. The plates applied in each case were identical locking plates, precontoured to fit the anatomy. Each construct was experimentally tested using a cantilever bending approach. The outcomes obtained were stiffness, yield force, displacement at yield, ultimate force, and displacement at ultimate force. The plantar plate position showed superior initial stiffness and force to ultimate failure. The plantar and medial plate positions exhibited superior force to yield. The medial plate position was superior regarding displacement tolerated before the yield point and catastrophic failure. The dorsal plate position was not superior for any outcome measured. Plantar and medial plating each offered biomechanical benefits. Clinical studies using similarly matched constructs are required to show whether these findings translate into improved clinical outcomes. Level of Clinical Evidence: 5

Effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Protocol on Balance in the Elderly

The purpose of this study it to understand the effect of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) on vestibular balance control structures. It was hypothesized that following an OMT treatment protocol, elderly patients would show significant improvement in empirical outcome measurements used to quantify postural stability.Copyright