Comparative endurance testing of the Biomet Matthews Nail and the Dynamic Compression Screw
Author Information
Author(s): O'Connor-Read Laurence M, Davidson Jerome A, Davies Benjamin M, Matthews Michael G, Smirthwaite Paul
Primary Institution: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Hypothesis
The study aims to assess the comparative endurance of the Biomet Matthews Nail and the Dynamic Compression Screw in treating femoral fractures.
Conclusion
The Biomet Matthews Nail shows greater endurance and stability compared to the Dynamic Compression Screw for femoral fractures.
Supporting Evidence
- The Biomet Matthews Nail demonstrated a greater endurance limit load over the dynamic compression screw in both fracture configurations.
- The unique 'cruciate' orientation of the distal locking screws allows for better stability in weak osteoporotic bone.
- Testing showed that the Biomet Matthews Nail has an endurance limit load at least twice that of the Dynamic Compression Screw.
Takeaway
The Biomet Matthews Nail is better at holding together broken bones in the thigh than the Dynamic Compression Screw.
Methodology
The devices were implanted into composite femurs and cyclically loaded using a materials testing machine to assess endurance.
Limitations
The study only tested a limited number of loading modes and used composite femurs instead of human cadaveric bone.
Participant Demographics
The study focuses on simulated fractures in composite femurs, representing elderly patients with weak bones.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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