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The effect of bone quality on the initial stability of ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation. A finite element simulation

The effect of bone quality on the initial stability of ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation. A finite element simulation
The effect of bone quality on the initial stability of ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation. A finite element simulation
Background: Despite uniform operating techniques, lack of fusion still occurs after ankle arthrodesis. Differences in the biological healing potential may be a factor but the mechanical performance of the arthrodesis construct because of varying bone quality also may be important. Internal compression techniques are preferred because of higher union rates, shorter fusion times, and fewer complications. A three-screw configuration has been shown to be more stable than a two-screw configuration, but it is not obvious when it should be used.
Methods: Three-dimensional finite element models of intact and flat-cut ankle arthrodeses were built, using two and three screws in different configurations. Poor bone quality was simulated by decreasing Young’s modulus of the bone. The constructs were loaded in torsion and dorsiflexion, and micromotions at the fusion site were measured.
Results: Bone quality had a marked effect on the stability at the arthrodesis site. Inserting two screws at 30 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the tibia in an intact arthrodesis seemed the best option, especially as bone quality worsened. The addition of a third screw increased the stability at the arthrodesis site.
Conclusions:Overall, intact joint surfaces and three-screw fixation, with the lateral and medial screws inserted produced the most stable arthrodesis constructs when bone quality was poor.
Clinical Relevance. Anklearthrodeses are technically demanding because of the shape and small size of the talus. Preoperative planning is an absolute necessity to determine placement and number of screws. This study shows that poor bone quality decreases the stability of the arthrodesis constructs, suggesting that an attempt should be made to create the most stable three-screw configuration. Finite element models can be used as an effective preoperative tool for planning screw number and placement.
1071-1007
840-850
Alonso-V'azquez, Ana
bb153347-669c-406c-b621-3d06eb396c16
Lauge-Pedersen, Henrik
c464ef87-dcba-4ffb-a8ec-2af47b83f862
Lidgren, Lars
21daf4e7-a209-4b38-ba45-2a02a307dc73
Taylor, M.
e368bda3-6ca5-4178-80e9-41a689badeeb
Alonso-V'azquez, Ana
bb153347-669c-406c-b621-3d06eb396c16
Lauge-Pedersen, Henrik
c464ef87-dcba-4ffb-a8ec-2af47b83f862
Lidgren, Lars
21daf4e7-a209-4b38-ba45-2a02a307dc73
Taylor, M.
e368bda3-6ca5-4178-80e9-41a689badeeb

Alonso-V'azquez, Ana, Lauge-Pedersen, Henrik, Lidgren, Lars and Taylor, M. (2004) The effect of bone quality on the initial stability of ankle arthrodesis with internal fixation. A finite element simulation. Foot and Ankle International, 25 (11), 840-850.

Record type: Article

Abstract

Background: Despite uniform operating techniques, lack of fusion still occurs after ankle arthrodesis. Differences in the biological healing potential may be a factor but the mechanical performance of the arthrodesis construct because of varying bone quality also may be important. Internal compression techniques are preferred because of higher union rates, shorter fusion times, and fewer complications. A three-screw configuration has been shown to be more stable than a two-screw configuration, but it is not obvious when it should be used.
Methods: Three-dimensional finite element models of intact and flat-cut ankle arthrodeses were built, using two and three screws in different configurations. Poor bone quality was simulated by decreasing Young’s modulus of the bone. The constructs were loaded in torsion and dorsiflexion, and micromotions at the fusion site were measured.
Results: Bone quality had a marked effect on the stability at the arthrodesis site. Inserting two screws at 30 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the tibia in an intact arthrodesis seemed the best option, especially as bone quality worsened. The addition of a third screw increased the stability at the arthrodesis site.
Conclusions:Overall, intact joint surfaces and three-screw fixation, with the lateral and medial screws inserted produced the most stable arthrodesis constructs when bone quality was poor.
Clinical Relevance. Anklearthrodeses are technically demanding because of the shape and small size of the talus. Preoperative planning is an absolute necessity to determine placement and number of screws. This study shows that poor bone quality decreases the stability of the arthrodesis constructs, suggesting that an attempt should be made to create the most stable three-screw configuration. Finite element models can be used as an effective preoperative tool for planning screw number and placement.

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Published date: 2004

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 23008
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/23008
ISSN: 1071-1007
PURE UUID: 3de6f099-ce4b-4048-8262-bca8880f5a45

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Date deposited: 23 Mar 2006
Last modified: 08 Jan 2022 15:50

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Contributors

Author: Ana Alonso-V'azquez
Author: Henrik Lauge-Pedersen
Author: Lars Lidgren
Author: M. Taylor

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