ABSTRACT
Objective:To determine the mechanical properties of our self-designed novel cross-locking intramedullary nails and the impact of number of conical locking nails on the fixation through a finite element analysis and specimen experiments.Methods:Mimics 19.0 and SolidWorks 2014 were used to create transverse fracture models of the olecranon which were subjected to fixation with respectively K-wire tension band (KTB) and our self-designed novel cross-locking intramedullary nails (NIN). The strengths of KTB and NIN fixation were analyzed by Ansys. Fifteen human ulna specimens were used to construct a transverse fracture model of the olecranon; an Instron E10000 mechanical testing machine was used to determine mechanical properties in fixation respectively with KTB, one NIN (NIN-1) and 3 NINs (NIN-3).Results:In the finite element analysis, in simulation of the forearm flexed at 45° under a 100 N load, the deformation of the fracture surface of the olecranon in fixation with KTB, NIN-1 and NIN-3 was respectively 0.131 mm, 0.123 mm and 0.121 mm. In the specimen experiments, in simulation of the forearm flexed at 45°, the maximum failure loads for fixation with KTB, NIN-1 and NIN-3 were (313.38±27.68) N, (528.56±53.58) N and (871.04±94.95) N, respectively, showing significant differences among the 3 groups ( P<0.05). The maximum failure load for NIN-3 fixation was significantly greater than that for KTB or NIN-1 fixation, and the maximum failure load for NIN-1 fixation was significantly greater than that for KTB fixation ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with KTB fixation, NIN fixation is more convenient in operation and has better mechanical properties. NIN-3 fixation has the best mechanical properties.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the effect of interlocking intramedullary nail on fixing transverse olecranon fracture. Methods Nine pairs of fresh ulna specimens were collected and the transverse fracture model of olecranon was established. Kirschner wire tension band and interlocking intramedullary nail were used to repair the fracture. Cyclic dynamic tension loads with amplitude of 25 N, mean value of 45 N and frequency of 05 Hz were applied to the triceps tendon under simulated elbow flexion conditions of 30°, 45° and 60°, respectively. The fracture displacements of specimens within 300 cycles were recorded in three groups. ResultsAt 30° flexion angle, the fracture displacement of interlocking intramedullary nail group and Kirschner wire tension band group was (1.831±0.333) mm and (3.723±2.390) mm, respectively. At 45° flexion angle, the fracture displacement of interlocking intramedullary nail group and Kirschner wire tension band group was (1.167±0.374) mm and (2.455±0.609) mm, respectively. At 60° flexion angle, the fracture displacement of interlocking intramedullary nail group and Kirschner wire tension band group was (1.407±0.342) mm and (3.112±1.025) mm, respectively. The fracture displacement of interlocking intramedullary nail was smaller. Conclusions The mechanical properties of interlocking intramedullary nail are better than those of Kirschner wire tension band, and the interlocking intramedullary nail is more stable and firmer for fixing transverse olecranon fracture. Moreover, the interlocking intramedullary nail is installed with the operating tool, thus the operation is more accurate and faster, and the operation efficiency is greatly improved.