Summary
The in vitro performances of four recognized fixation methods of femur neck fractures
in the dog were evaluated. After a simulated basilar fracture, three multiple pin
techniques and a lag screw method were applied to four groups of nine freshly dissected
femurs. A standardized force was applied to all specimens as well as five intact femurs
and the force-deformation curve and yield points were recorded. Radiographs were taken
to determine the mode of failure. The results indicate that the lag screw and three-parallel-pin
techniques were significantly stronger than the two-pin methods. The pin techniques
failed by either bending and/or slippage, while the lag screw failed by bending and/or
pulling in of the screw head into the lateral femoral cortex.
An in vitro study, comparing the mechanical performances of four fixation techniques for femoral
neck fracture fixation, is presented. The lag screw and three-pin techniques were
stronger than the two double-pin techniques. Fixation failure occurred through bending
or slippage of the pins, or through bending of the screws or pulling of the screw
head into the lateral femoral cortex.
Keywords
Dog - femoral neck - fracture - fixation -
in vitro study