Investigating the effect of distal screw and peg length on stability in volar plating of comminuted, intra-articular distal radius fractures in a cadaveric model

IF 1.4 3区医学 Q4 ENGINEERING, BIOMEDICAL Clinical Biomechanics Pub Date : 2025-02-23 DOI:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2025.106472

Francine Zeng , Raghunandan Nayak , Martinus Megalla , Mehreen Pasha , Shiza Bari , Dashun Liu , Joel V. Ferreira , Anthony Parrino , Craig M. Rodner

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Volar plating is the preferred surgical treatment for distal radius fractures. Many have adopted unicortical distal fixation to prevent extensor tendon injury. This study aimed to determine the biomechanical effect of distal locking screws and pegs on stability in comminuted, intra-articular distal radius fracture cadavers.

Methods

We applied volar-locking distal radius plates to 24 cadaveric radiuses, which were divided into 4 groups based on distal fixation: 100 % length screws, 75 % length screws, 100 % length pegs, and 75 % length pegs. Osteotomies simulated dorsally comminuted, intra-articular fractures. We determined each construct's stiffness under physiologic loads (axial compression, dorsal bending, and volar bending) before and after 1000 cycles of axial conditioning, and before axial load to clinical failure (2 mm of displacement) and catastrophic failure.

Findings

Stiffness to volar and dorsal bending were equivalent between groups before and after cycling loading. Final stiffness under axial load was equivalent for all groups. Force to clinical failure was equivalent between 100 % (308 N) and 75 % screw length (351 N) constructs, and equivalent between 100 % (127 N) and 75 % peg length (150 N) constructs. Forces to clinical failure were greater for 100 % and 75 % screw lengths compared to their peg counterparts. Force to clinical failure was greater for 75 % screw lengths than 100 % smooth pegs. Force to catastrophic failure was equivalent between all groups.

Interpretation

We recommend the use of 75 % length screws or pegs over their bicortical counterparts to prevent dorsal penetration without compromising fixation. Surgeons may consider using locking screws over pegs in complex, intra-articular distal radius fractures.

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来源期刊

Clinical Biomechanics 医学-工程：生物医学

CiteScore

3.30

自引率

5.60%

发文量

189

审稿时长

12.3 weeks

期刊介绍： Clinical Biomechanics is an international multidisciplinary journal of biomechanics with a focus on medical and clinical applications of new knowledge in the field. The science of biomechanics helps explain the causes of cell, tissue, organ and body system disorders, and supports clinicians in the diagnosis, prognosis and evaluation of treatment methods and technologies. Clinical Biomechanics aims to strengthen the links between laboratory and clinic by publishing cutting-edge biomechanics research which helps to explain the causes of injury and disease, and which provides evidence contributing to improved clinical management. A rigorous peer review system is employed and every attempt is made to process and publish top-quality papers promptly. Clinical Biomechanics explores all facets of body system, organ, tissue and cell biomechanics, with an emphasis on medical and clinical applications of the basic science aspects. The role of basic science is therefore recognized in a medical or clinical context. The readership of the journal closely reflects its multi-disciplinary contents, being a balance of scientists, engineers and clinicians. The contents are in the form of research papers, brief reports, review papers and correspondence, whilst special interest issues and supplements are published from time to time. Disciplines covered include biomechanics and mechanobiology at all scales, bioengineering and use of tissue engineering and biomaterials for clinical applications, biophysics, as well as biomechanical aspects of medical robotics, ergonomics, physical and occupational therapeutics and rehabilitation.