Fixation of periprosthetic femur fractures: a biomechanical analysis comparing cortical strut allograft plates and conventional metal plates

Orthopedics. 2003 Jul;26(7):695-9. doi: 10.3928/0147-7447-20030701-13.

Abstract

This study compared the stability of periprosthetic femur fractures fixed using cortical allograft struts with a metal plate. Cadaveric specimens were loaded in single-leg stance and stair climbiing to 2250 N. Optimum stability in single-leg stance was achieved with two long struts medially and laterally. No clear advantage was noted in using a second strut in stair climbing. Cables rather than wires were useful in single-leg stance, but not in stair climbing. Allograft cortical struts are a biomechanically sound alternative to metal plates fixed with screws and cables for femur fracture fixation below a well-fixed femoral component.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Bone Plates*
  • Bone Transplantation / methods*
  • Cadaver
  • Femoral Fractures / etiology
  • Femoral Fractures / surgery*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods*
  • Hip Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Metals
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tensile Strength
  • Transplantation, Homologous

Substances

  • Metals