ABSTRACT

Introduction: The indications for intramedullary nail fixation of fractures of the femoral shaft have been greatly expanded by techniques of interlocking nailing. However, distal locking screw fixation remains the most technically demanding and problematic portion of the procedure and maybe responsible for as much as one-half of the exposure of the surgeon’s hands to radiation during the procedure. Objective: This biomechanical study was undertaken to compare the stability of using one distal locking cross screw versus two cross screws in femoral fractures fixed with intramedullary nailing (IMN) system. Materials: A composite model made from a stainless steel IMN (12 mm × 1 mm) was connected to a load cell (Instron machine). Axial forces upto 2 kN (3 times body weight) was applied or until a maximum displacement of 1 mm was reached. The distal locking end of the intramedullary nail was secured with stainless steel cylinders of different dimensions 50 mm × 5 mm, 75 mm × 5 mm and 100 mm × 3 mm to represent the proximal femoral diaphysis, diaphyseo-metaphyseal junction and distal femoral metaphyseal respectively. The distal locking end of the intramedullary nail was attached to the cylinder with a dedicated single or two rods (5 mm diameter), made from stainless steel, to represent the distal locking cross screw. Results: In the 50 mm cylinder, the mean stiffness (±standard deviation) of the system using either single or two screws were similar i.e. 3298 ± 144 N/mm. But in the 75 mm and 100 mm cylinders, the mean stiffness of the fracture model with two distal locking cross screws fixation was 2.059 ± 96 N/mm and 0.816 ± 122 N/mm and with single distal locking cross screw fixation were 0.643 ± 142 N/mm and 0.289 ± 88 N/mm respectively. Conclusion: Single distal locking cross screw fixation provide poorer fracture stability compared to two distal locking cross screws when used to fix distal femoral metaphyseal fractures.

1. INTRODUCTION

The use of cross screws have revolutionised the treatment of long bone fractures with intramedullary nails. Screws placed both proximally and distally to the fracture provide precise anatomical reconstruction while maintaining the length of the bone. Its use has enabled early mobilization and weight bearing of patients with even significant comminuted fractures [1-3].

The proximal and distal interlocking screws provide sufficient axial and tensional forces rigidity and allow the patient to move without the risk of shortening or malrotation. However, distal locking fixation, using two cross screws, may be responsible for as much as one-half of the exposure of the surgeon’s hands to radiation during the procedure [4,5]. Some studies have shown, one distal locking screw is sufficient to provide adequate stability compared to two distal locking screws there by reducing the duration of surgery and surgeons exposure to radiation [6,7].

However in femoral fracture fixation, the length of the distal cross screws varies depending at the point of fixation in the distal femoral fractures. The anatomy of the distal femur may influence the length of the cross screw used in distal locking. We hypothesize that there maybe a variable stiffness on the intramedullary nailing system depending on the length and number of distal locking cross screws.

In the current study, a biomechanical investigation was undertaken to examine if one distal cross screw was sufficiently stable compared to two distal cross screws in femoral fractures fixed with intramedullary nailing system.

2. OBJECTIVE

This biomechanical study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of using one distal locking cross screw versus two cross screws in femoral fractures fixed with intramedullary nailing (IMN) system.

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1. Materials

The intramedullary nails were simulated using stainless steel tubes with a length of 150 mm, outside diameter of 12 mm and inside diameter of 11 mm. These dimensions were similar to intramedullary nails used surgically. The distal bone end of the femoral bone was simulated using stainless steel cylinders and sawbones. In the study three different cylinders were used to represent different parts of the femur, with the dimensions comparable to clinical measurements using x-rays:

• Outside diameter 50 mm, wall thickness 5 mm, height 50 mm (proximal diaphyses bone with a narrow canal and a thick cortical wall);

• Outside diameter 75 mm, wall thickness 5 mm, height 50 mm (metaphyseal junction);

• Outside diameter 100 mm, wall thickness 3 mm, height 50 mm (distal condylar bone with a wide canal and a thin cortical wall).

The hole in the cylinder was 25 mm and 35 mm from the top end of the cylinder for the proximal hole of the distal nail and distal hole respectively.

3.2. Methods

An Instron 1822 materials testing machine (Instron Ltd., High Wycombe, UK) was used for mechanically testing the intramedullary nails. A customised stainless steel clamp was designed to connect the proximal portion of the intramedullary nail to the cross-head of the testing machine. The stainless steel cylinder, which represented the femur, was attached to the base of the testing machine. The distal end of the intramedullary nail was secured to the cylinders with rod(s); this represented the cross screw. In the test, representing a single distal cross screw fixation, the proximal hole of the distal IMN was use. The test set-up is shown in (Figure 1). Similarly for test representing two distal cross screws, both the distal holes of the IMN was used.

The intramedullary nail was subjected to an axial compressive load, by lowering the cross-head of the testing machine; the load was applied at a rate of 0.05 N/s. During the testing load and displacement were recorded. Testing continued until a maximum displacement of 1 mm or a maximum force of 2 kN was reached. A displacement of 1 mm was chosen, as a fracture will not heal if there is excessive deflection, and typical amplitudes during walking have been measured to be about 1 mm [8]. A load of 2 kN represents about three times body weight, load transferred across the knee, for a 70 kg individual when walking [9]. Each test configuration was

tested three times for each various size cylinders made from Stainless steel cylinder. Maximum force of failure was also recorded for each cylinder.

Graphs of load against displacement were plotted (Figure 2 shows a typical example) and a forth-order polynomial fitted to the results. The stiffness was then determined from the gradient of the graph at a displacement of 0.5 mm.

4. RESULTS

In the 50 mmmm cylinder, the mean stiffness (±standard deviation) of the system using either single or two screws were similar ie 3298 ± 144 N/mm. But in the 75 mm and 100 mm cylinders, the mean stiffness of the fracture model with two distal locking cross screws fixation was 2.059 ± 96 N/mm and 0.816 ± 122 N/mm and with single distal locking cross screw fixation was 0.643 ± 142 N/mm and 0.289 ± 88 N/mm respectively.

5. DISCUSSION

Various study have investigated into the influence of the number of cross screws that is required for optimal fixation of the femora fractures using femoral nailing system [10]. Most studies have shown that there is no difference between the use of one or two distal locking [7] cross screws and both had similar results and stability in axial and torque forces. In this study, similar to previous studies, have shown similar results using either one or two cross screws used to fix at the diaphyseal (screws length 50 mm). However longer screws used to fix at metaphyseal (75 mm) and supracondylar (100 mm) had variable results between one and two distal cross screw fixation.

The principle aim of fracture fixation is to provide stability of the bone fragments and restoration of normal anatomy. Intramedullary nails act as a scaffold and are devised to hold together the proximal and distal ends of the long bone for a conducive environment for fracture healing.

The proximal (diaphyseal) femoral canal is narrow in which the intramedullary nail has a “snug fit” against the bone. Hence, the inter bone-nail distance is minimal or none. With increasing bone diameter, the distal condylar part of the femur, there is a wide canal and a thin cortex. Longer cross screws are required to fix metaphyseal and distal femoral fractures. In this study, it has been shown that in the femoral fractures fixed at diaphysis, with either one or two distal cross screws, have similar axial stiffness. With longer cross screws, used in the distal and extreme distal fractures, one screw fixation was less stable compared to two distal cross screw fixation. This is due to the increased cross screw length as shown in previous study [11].

In the clinical situation, when the patient bears weight the greater the diameter of the canal, the greater the deflection will be.

REFERENCES

NOTES

^*Corresponding author.