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Tsai YT, Lin KJ, Lin JC. Biomechanical comparison of three fixation strategies for radial head fractures: a biomechanical study. BIOMED ENG-BIOMED TE 2024; 69:193-198. [PMID: 37883038 DOI: 10.1515/bmt-2023-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Second-generation headless compression screws (HCSs) are commonly used for the fixation of small bones and articular fractures. However, there is a lack of biomechanical data regarding the application of such screws to radial head fractures. This study evaluated the mechanical properties of the fixation of radial head fractures using a single oblique HCS compared with those obtained using a standard locking radial head plate (LRHP) construct and a double cortical screw (DCS) construct. Radial synbone models were used for biomechanical tests of HCS, LRHP, and DCS constructs. All specimens were first cyclically loaded and then loaded to failure. The stiffness for the LRHP group was significantly higher than that for the other two groups, and that for the HCS group was significantly higher than that for the DCS group. The LRHP group had the greatest strength, followed by the HCS group and then the DCS group. The HCS construct demonstrated greater fixation strength than that of the commonly used cortical screws, although the plate group was the most stable. The present study revealed the feasibility of using a single oblique HCS, which has the advantages of being buried, requiring limited wound exposure, and having relatively easy operation, for treating simple radial head fractures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Tung Tsai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Jhih Lin
- Technology Translation Center for Medical Device, Chung Yuan Christian University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Cheng Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Heifner JJ, Lacau GE, Forro SD, Davis TA, Mercer DM, Rubio F. The impact of anatomic alignment on radiocapitellar pressure following radial head arthroplasty. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2024:S1058-2746(24)00244-1. [PMID: 38609004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2024.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of radial head fractures is increasing, and radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is being more frequently used as treatment for irreparable fractures. Our objective was to compare radiocapitellar pressure between the native joint and 2 radial head prosthesis conditions: (1) a prosthetic head that was aligned to the forearm axis of rotation and (2) the same prosthesis with an axisymmetric nonaligned head. METHODS Ten cadaveric specimens received a pressfit radial head prosthesis (Align; Skeletal Dynamics) for both prosthetic testing conditions. Anatomic alignment (AL) was defined as the prosthetic head aligned to the forearm axis of rotation. Axisymmetric alignment (AX) was defined as the prosthetic radial head aligned to the axis of the prosthetic stem. Axial load was applied with the elbow in extension and the forearm pronated. Data were collected using a Tekscan 4000 sensor. RESULTS The mean pressure in the AL and AX groups were significantly higher than the mean pressure in the native joint. Compared with the native joint, the mean pressure was 19% higher in the AL group and 56% higher in the AX group. Peak pressure beyond 5 MPa occurred in 0 specimens in the native joint group, in 1 specimen (10%) in the AL group, and in 5 specimens (50%) in the AX group. DISCUSSION Our results demonstrated that a pressfit radial head prosthesis aligned with the forearm axis of rotation yields capitellar pressures that were more similar to the native condition than a nonaligned pressfit prosthesis. These findings suggest that anatomic alignment may optimize capitellar wear properties, improving the long-term durability of radial head arthroplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephen D Forro
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Larkin Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ty A Davis
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Larkin Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Deana M Mercer
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Francisco Rubio
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Larkin Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
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Zdero R, Brzozowski P, Schemitsch EH. Experimental Methods for Studying the Contact Mechanics of Joints. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:4914082. [PMID: 37780487 PMCID: PMC10541306 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4914082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Biomechanics researchers often experimentally measure static or fluctuating dynamic contact forces, areas, and stresses at the interface of natural and artificial joints, including the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. This information helps explain joint contact mechanics, as well as mechanisms that may contribute to disease, damage, and degradation. Currently, the most common in vitro experimental technique involves a thin pressure-sensitive film inserted into the joint space; but, the film's finite thickness disturbs the joint's ordinary articulation. Similarly, the most common in vivo experimental technique uses video recording of 3D limb motion combined with dynamic analysis of a 3D link-segment model to calculate joint contact force, but this does not provide joint contact area or stress distribution. Moreover, many researchers may be unaware of older or newer alternative techniques that may be more suitable for their particular research application. Thus, this article surveys over 50 years of English-language scientific literature in order to (a) describe the basic working principles, advantages, and disadvantages of each technique, (b) examine the trends among the studies and methods, and (c) make recommendations for future directions. This article will hopefully inform biomechanics investigators about various in vitro and in vivo experimental methods for studying the contact mechanics of joints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radovan Zdero
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Lab, Victoria Hospital, London, Canada
| | | | - Emil H. Schemitsch
- Orthopaedic Biomechanics Lab, Victoria Hospital, London, Canada
- Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western University, London, Canada
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Kahmann SL, Sas A, Große Hokamp N, van Lenthe GH, Müller LP, Wegmann K. A combined experimental and finite element analysis of the human elbow under loads of daily living. J Biomech 2023; 158:111766. [PMID: 37633217 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Elbow trauma is often accompanied by a loss of independence in daily self-care activities, negatively affecting patients' quality of life. Finite element models can help gaining profound knowledge about native human joint mechanics, which is crucial to adequately restore joint functionality after severe injuries. Therefore, a finite element model of the elbow is required that includes both the radio-capitellar and ulno-trochlear joint and is subjected to loads realistic for activities of daily living. Since no such model has been published, we aim to fill this gap. For comparison, 8 intact cadaveric elbows were subjected to loads of up to 1000 N, after they were placed in an extended position. At each load step, the displacement of the proximal humerus relative to the distal base plate was measured with optical tracking markers and the joint pressure was measured with a pressure mapping sensor. Analogously, eight finite element models were created based on subject-specific CT scans of the corresponding elbow specimens. The CT scans were registered to the positions of tantalum beads in the experiment. The optically measured displacements were applied as boundary conditions. We demonstrated that the workflow can predict the experimental contact pressure distribution with a moderate correlation, the experimental peak pressures in the correct joints and the experimental stiffness with moderate to excellent correlation. The predictions of peak pressure magnitude, contact area and load share on the radius require improvement by precise representation of the cartilage geometry and soft tissues in the model, and proper initial contact in the experiment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Kahmann
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Kerpener Str. 62, Cologne 50937, Germany; Biomechanics Section, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Amelie Sas
- Biomechanics Section, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nils Große Hokamp
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Germany
| | - G Harry van Lenthe
- Biomechanics Section, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lars-Peter Müller
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Kerpener Str. 62, Cologne 50937, Germany
| | - Kilian Wegmann
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center for Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Kerpener Str. 62, Cologne 50937, Germany; OCM München, Steinerstr. 6, 81369, München, Deutschland
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Pérez-Abad M, Noriego Muñoz D, Ferreres Claramunt Á, Del Valle Jou M, Rodríguez-Baeza A. The loads developed by epicondylar and epitrochlear muscles across the elbow joint. A dynamic simulated model. J Biomech 2022; 145:111356. [PMID: 36403528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The radio-humeral joint has traditionally been believed to support most of the loads transmitted through the elbow. Load transfer through the elbow has been a controversial issue since the publication of the first biomechanical studies on the subject, most of which were based on extrinsic forces acting on the extended joint. The present study analyzes load distribution across the six different compartments in the elbow while the joint is flexed, as well as the intrinsic forces generated in the epicondylar and epitrochlear muscles. Ten cadaveric elbows were positioned at 90° of flexion, forearm in a neutral position and wrist at 0°. Tekscan sensors were used for measuring intraarticular pressures. Forces generated by epitrochlear muscles results in a series of loads that affect mainly the anteromedial facet (40%), followed by the posterolateral facet (34%) of the ulnohumeral joint, with the flexor carpi ulnaris generating the heaviest loads (43% on the anteromedial and 38% on the posterolateral facets). Conversely, the forces generated by the epicondylar muscles, similar in behavior but with an opposite direction, convey heavier loads to the elbow's anterolateral facet (45%), followed by the radiohumeral joint (26%) with the extensor carpi ulnaris generating the heaviest loads (54% on the anterolateral facet and 17% on the radiohumeral joint). Our results indicate that the elbow joint exhibits a characteristic load distribution pattern that depends on the muscles, as intrinsic forces are generated by the epicondylar and epitrochlear muscles. The anterior portion of the ulnohumeral joint is the area bearing the heaviest loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Pérez-Abad
- Institut Kaplan, Barcelona, Spain; Consorci Sanitari del Maresme Hospital de Mataró, Carretera de la Cirera 230, 08304 Mataró, Barcelona, Spain.
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Ramazanian T, Müller-Lebschi JA, Merlet MCH, Lee H, Vaichinger AM, Fitzsimmons JS, O'Driscoll SW. Effect of Radiocapitellar Joint Over/Under Stuffing on Elbow Joint Contact Pressure. J Hand Surg Am 2022; 48:403.e1-403.e9. [PMID: 36229309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Comminuted radial head fractures are commonly treated by surgical resection or replacement with a prosthesis. A potential problem with radial head replacement is overlengthening of the radial neck ("overstuffing" of the radial head), which has been shown to affect both ulnohumeral kinematics and radiocapitellar pressures. We hypothesized that an overstuffed radial head prosthesis increases capitellar pressure and reduces coronoid pressure. METHODS Seven human cadaveric elbows were prepared on a custom-designed apparatus simulating stabilizing muscle loads, and passively flexed from 0° to 90° under gravity valgus torque while joint contact pressures were measured. Each elbow was tested sequentially with different neck lengths, starting with the intact specimen followed by insertion of understuffed (-2 mm), standard-height (0 mm), and overstuffed (+2 mm) radial head prostheses in neutral forearm rotation, 40° pronation, and 40° supination positions, respectively. RESULTS Capitellar mean contact pressures significantly increased after insertion of an overstuffed radial head prosthesis. In valgus position with neutral forearm rotation, capitellar mean contact pressure on the joint with an intact radial head averaged 227 ± 70 kPa. Insertion of understuffed, standard-height, and overstuffed radial head prostheses changed the mean contact pressures to 152 ± 76 kPa, 212 ± 68 kPa, and 491 ± 168 kPa, respectively. The overstuffed radial head group had significantly lower whole coronoid mean contact pressures (153 ± 56 kPa) compared with the intact (390 ± 138 kPa) and standard-height (376 ± 191 kPa) radial head groups. CONCLUSIONS An increase in radial prosthesis height significantly increases capitellar contact pressures and reduces coronoid contact pressures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Restoration of the anatomic radial head height is critical when performing radial head arthroplasty to maintain normal joint biomechanics. Elevated capitellar contact pressures can potentially lead to pain and early degenerative changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taghi Ramazanian
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | | | | | - HoMin Lee
- Department of Orthopedics, College of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Anthony M Vaichinger
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - James S Fitzsimmons
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Shawn W O'Driscoll
- Biomechanics Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
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Smithson K, Smith J, Hogue W, Mannen E, Ahmadi S. Biomechanics of axial load transmission across the native human elbow. Shoulder Elbow 2021; 13:671-676. [PMID: 34804216 PMCID: PMC8600677 DOI: 10.1177/1758573220961025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elbow and forearm motion are thought to affect elbow load transmission, yet little empirical evidence exists to quantify the biomechanics. METHODS Eight fresh-frozen human cadaver upper extremities were utilized. A 100 N axial force was applied across the elbow joint at elbow flexion angles of (0°, 30°, 60°, and 90°) and forearm rotation angles (0°, 45° supination, and 45° pronation). Pressure mapping sensors were placed in both the radiocapitellar and ulnotrochlear joints. Force distributions and contact areas were measured, and paired t-tests were used for comparison (p < 0.05). RESULTS The average maximum loading percentage of the radiocapitellar and ulnotrochlear joint pressures were 57.8 ± 4.6% and 42.2 ± 4.6%, respectively. Elbow flexion angle and forearm rotation did not significantly affect the joint loading. There was no significant difference between the contact areas of each joint, although ulnotrochlear and radiocapitellar joints demonstrated an inverse relationship. CONCLUSION Our study is the only one to date to comprehensively evaluate loading mechanics throughout both functional elbow flexion and forearm rotation across both articulations. The load sharing ratio across the radiocapitellar and ulnotrochlear joints was 58%:42%, agreeing with previously reported ratios with limited parameters. A relationship may be present between increasing radiocapitellar and decreasing ulnotrochlear contact areas as elbow flexion increases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shahryar Ahmadi
- Shahryar Ahmadi, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham St., #531, Little Rock, AR
72205, USA.
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The contact area of the radiocapitellar joint under pronation and supination with axial load using a 3-dimensional computed tomography: an in vivo study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2021; 30:1238-1244. [PMID: 32950672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2020.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the contact area of the radiocapitellar joint with forearm pronation and supination under axial loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six healthy volunteers (2 males and 4 females, mean age: 44.6 years) were included in the study. A computed tomography scan of the extended elbow joints was obtained at 4 positions of forearm: full pronation with or without load and full supination with or without load. Mimics, 3-matic Medical, Geomagic, and Photoshop were used to reconstruct 3-dimensional models. The contact area of the radiocapitellar joint was measured. Shifting of the center of the contact area of the radiocapitellar joint was measured. RESULTS The axial load added 8.6% and 10.5% contact area to pronation and supination without load, respectively. From pronation without load, the center of contact area significantly shifted 2.4 ± 1.1 mm anteromedially to supination without load and shifted by 1.0 ± 0.5 mm to the center of the radial head compared with the pronation with load. The center of the contact area significantly shifted 2.4 ± 1.5 mm anteromedially from the pronation to the supination under loading. The contact area of the tuberosity anterior in the radial head significantly increased by 14% (without load) and 8% (with load) from pronation to supination. CONCLUSION Axial loading increases the contact area of the radiocapitellar joint. The center of the contact area of the radiocapitellar joint changed according to loading and shifted to the anterior tuberosity of the radial head from forearm pronation to supination.
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Abstract
The elbow joint consists of the humeroulnar, humeroradial, and proximal radioulnar joints. Elbow stability is maintained by a combination of static and dynamic constraints. Elbow fractures are challenging to treat because the articular surfaces must be restored perfectly and associated soft tissue injuries must be recognized and appropriately managed. Most elbow fractures are best treated operatively with restoration of normal bony anatomy and rigid internal fixation and repair and/or reconstruction of the collateral ligaments. Advanced imaging, improved understanding of the complex anatomy of the elbow joint, and improved fixation techniques have contributed to improved elbow fracture outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaare S Midtgaard
- The Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181 West Meadow Drive, Suite 400, Vail, CO 81657, USA; Oslo University Hospital, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kirkeveien 166, Oslo 0450, Norway; Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services, Forsvarsvegen 75, Sessvollmoen 2058, Norway
| | - Joseph J Ruzbarsky
- The Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181 West Meadow Drive, Suite 400, Vail, CO 81657, USA
| | - Thomas R Hackett
- The Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181 West Meadow Drive, Suite 400, Vail, CO 81657, USA
| | - Randall W Viola
- The Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, 181 West Meadow Drive, Suite 400, Vail, CO 81657, USA.
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In vivo changes in length of elbow collateral ligaments during pronation and supination on an outstretched arm. Surg Radiol Anat 2020; 42:919-925. [DOI: 10.1007/s00276-020-02451-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Rebgetz PR, Daniele L, Underhill ID, Öchsner A, Taylor FJ. A biomechanical study of headless compression screws versus a locking plate in radial head fracture fixation. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2019; 28:e111-e116. [PMID: 30685273 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Fixation of a 3-part radial head fracture with cannulated compression screws will show equivalent stiffness to a locking plate under axial load. Debate exists regarding the management of Mason type III fractures, with many believing that open reduction and internal fixation provides advantages over other options. By virtue of their subarticular placement, screw fixation is less likely to cause impingement compared with plate fixation, which can result in loss of rotation and requirement for hardware removal. Insufficient fixation stability can lead to nonunions, necrosis of the radial head, pain, and instability. We tested the mechanical stability of fixation of simulated radial head fractures using headless compression screws compared with standard plate construct. METHODS Standardized test constructs were created with repeatable osteotomy cuts and hardware placement on each Synbone model (Synbone AG, Malans, Switzerland). We presectioned 22 proximal radius Synbone models to simulate a 3-part radial head fracture. The models were fixed using a radial head locking plate or headless compression screws in a tripod construct. The constructs were potted into a compression test jig using 2-part epoxy resin. Compression testing was performed using a 30-kN Instron Universal machine (Instron, Norwood, MA, USA). The compression tool was spherical, representing the surface of the capitellum. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the stiffness of the Synbone constructs under axial load. CONCLUSION There was no significant difference between fixation stiffness of a 3-part radial head fracture with headless compression screws in a tripod structure vs. a locking plate in Synbone. Further study is required to allow clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Rebgetz
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
| | - Luca Daniele
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian D Underhill
- Department of Engineering, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Andreas Öchsner
- Department of Engineering, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Fraser J Taylor
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Hwang JT, Kim Y, Shields MN, Bachman DR, Berglund LJ, Fitzsimmons AT, Fitzsimmons JS, O'Driscoll SW. Effects of axial forearm instability on force transmission across the elbow. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2019; 28:170-177. [PMID: 30337267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2018.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interosseous membrane (IOM) and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) provide axial stability to the forearm. Our hypothesis was that injury to these structures alters force transmission through the elbow. METHODS A custom-designed apparatus that applies axial loads from the wrist to the elbow was used to test 10 cadaveric upper limbs under the following simulated conditions (1) intact, (2) DRUJ injury, (3) IOM injury, or (4) IOM + DRUJ injury. IOM injury was simulated by osteotomies of the IOM attachment to the radius, and DRUJ injury was simulated by distal ulnar oblique osteotomy. We applied 160 N of axial force during cyclic and functional range of forearm rotation (40o pronation/40o supination), and force, contact pressure, and contact area through the elbow joint were measured simultaneously. RESULTS The force across the radiocapitellar joint was significantly higher in the IOM + DRUJ injury and the IOM injury groups than in the intact and DRUJ injury groups. The mean force across the radiocapitellar joint was not significantly different between the intact and DRUJ injury groups or between the IOM + DRUJ injury and the IOM injury groups. Forces across the ulnohumeral joint showed an inverse pattern to those in the radiocapitellar joint. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that injury to the IOM contributes more to the disruption of the normal distribution of axial loads across the elbow than injury to the DRUJ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Taek Hwang
- Department of Orthopedics, Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical College, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngbok Kim
- Department of Orthopedics, Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Maegan N Shields
- Department of Orthopedics, Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Daniel R Bachman
- Department of Orthopedics, Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lawrence J Berglund
- Department of Orthopedics, Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - James S Fitzsimmons
- Department of Orthopedics, Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shawn W O'Driscoll
- Department of Orthopedics, Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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