A Comparison of Bicortical and Intramedullary Screw Fixations in Jones' Fractures Using Finite Element Analysis: Preliminary Report

Abstract

−0.5 mm cortical osteoporotic bone, 26,322 MPa and 36,153 MPa in −1 mm cortical osteoporotic model, respectively for intramedullary screw fixation and bicortical screw fixation. Displacements on fracture interface were 0.208 mm, 0.126 mm in normal bone while 0.229 mm, 0.127 mm in 85% cancellos osteoporotic model, 0.241 mm, 0.127 mm in 75% cancellos osteoporotic model, 0.223 mm, 0.271 mm in −0.5 mm cortical osteoporotic model, 0.292 mm, 0.480 mm in −1 mm cortical osteoporotic model, respectively for intramedullary screw fixation and bicortical screw fixation. Bicortical screw fixation is superior in mechanical stability than intramedullary screw fixation for normal bone quality Jones fractures. For cortical osteoporotic bone Jones fractures, however, intramedullary screw fixation can give a better mechanical stability than bicortical screw fixation.