Biomechanical comparison of stainless steel and titanium nails for fixation of simulated femoral fractures.

Abstract

Flexible intramedullary nails are commonly used to treat femoral fractures in children. This study evaluated the biomechanical differences between stainless steel and titanium nails when securing transverse and comminuted fractures in a synthetic femur model. Retrograde flexible stainless steel and titanium nails placed in a divergent "C" pattern were mechanically tested, and axial rotation and compression stiffness were analyzed with a two-way ANOVA. Rotational stability was significantly greater for titanium nails than stainless steel nails for both fracture patterns. Axial compression stiffness was significantly greater for titanium nails than stainless steel nails for both fracture patterns. There was no statistical difference between materials for axial "failure" load that produced 5 mm of shortening. Titanium intramedullary nails were more stable than stainless steel nails in torsion and axial compression. Both materials stabilized simulated fractures at levels beyond physiologic non-weight-bearing loads without permanent deformation.

• Authors: Andrew T Mahar, Steven S Lee, Francois D Lalonde, Tom Impelluso, Peter O Newton
• Journal: Journal of pediatric orthopedics (J Pediatr Orthop) 2004 Nov-Dec Vol. 24 Issue 6 Pg. 638-41 ISSN: 0271-6798 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15502562 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Stainless Steel
• Titanium

Topics

• Biomechanical Phenomena
• Bone Nails (standards)
• Child
• Femoral Fractures (physiopathology, surgery)
• Femur (physiopathology, surgery)
• Humans
• Orthopedic Fixation Devices (standards)
• Orthopedic Procedures (instrumentation, methods)
• Stainless Steel (standards)
• Titanium (standards)
• Treatment Outcome